Article 2368 of alt.sustainable.agriculture:
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!oit-mail2news-gateway
From: steved@ncatfyv.uark.edu (Steve Diver)
Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture
Subject: Re: architect seeks info on ecological fishfarming
Date: 22 Feb 1994 21:41:43 -0500
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Thomas--

The New Alchemy Institute ceased functions in 1991 due 
primarily to financial problems.  Just recently, New 
Alchemy publications have become available through a 
group of former New Alchemists who still live in the
area.  The Green Center can provide a list of for-sale
publications.  

Talk about a history of appropriate technology and 
alternative agriculture, New Alchemy's publications still 
provide a decent introduction to aquaculture systems, composting 
greenhouses, bioshelters, cover crops for the Northeast, etc. 
Contact:

    The Green Center
    237 Hatchville Rd.
    East Falmouth, MA  02536
    (508) 564-6301

Re: ecological fishfarming.  Some of the most advanced 
models of water purification and sustainable food production 
are the 1) solar aquatic ponds (pioneered in part by
John Todd, formerly of New Alchemy) that use plants like water
hyacinth to purify waste water and 2) recirculating hydroponic 
systems in which vegetable beds are fertigated with 
effluent from tilapia aquaculture.
 

> 
> Hi, are you involved with ecological fishfarming ? I'd be 
> interested in ecological fishfarming and waterpurification.
> Please don't hold back your most precious information.
> As a postgraduate student I'm doing a architectural project
> on fishfarming. 
> Do you know the phone or fax number of the NEW ALCHEMY INSTITUTE
> East Falmouth, Massachusetts 02536 USA ????
> Do they have an e-mail address ???
> 
> Thank you for your help!!!
> 
> You can contact me at the UoW FAX: 071-911 5190 PHONE: 071-911 5000 ext 3332
> 
> Thomas Reinke, Arch. Dip. I
> 
> 




Sat 20 Feb 93  9:10
By: ALLAN BALLIETT
Re: New Alchemy/Ocean Arks

Here's documentation from the founder himself, John Todd, that New
Alchemy is dead, but the spirit goes on living and WORKING towards a
sustainable future!

==================================================

January 1 993

Dear Friends of New Alchemy

As you know, last summer the New Alchemy Institute officially closed
its doors. You may also know, however, that neither the vision nor the
work that began there have been lost. With the founding of Ocean Arks
International in 1983. there began a new phase in the research and
implementation of the ideas that first took form at New Alchemy.

Like New Alchemy, Ocean Arks was founded by John Todd and Nancy Jack
Todd and is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated
to the creation and dissemination of the thinking and the technologies
fundamental to a sustainable future. Drawing on what we learned of the
ecology of aquatic ecosystems at New Alchemy, we since have created a
family of living technologies that now are restoring waters polluted
by human and industrial wastes to drinking water standards.

Working through The Center for the Restoration of waters at Ocean
Arks, we have created one of the most advanced ecologically engineered
waste treatment systems in the world which, after a few years of
extensive verification, is now legally permitted in two states. We
have begun to restore a highly polluted pond in Massachusetts w ith
our new floating Living Machine, Lake Restorer 1, opening a channel
for its use on water bodies the world over. Our Providence, RI and
Marion, Me research facilities have been making ground-breaking
discoveries in purifying industrial and toxic wastes. We have
demonstrated, on a laboratory scale, that Living Machines can break
down such highly toxic wastes as those found in Chattanooga Creek, for
which we have attracted the attention of Vice President-elect Al Gore.
We have also received continuing support from Congressman Gerry Studds
and Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Joe Kennedy and
Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island, to name a few, giving us a strong
vote of encouragement with the political leaders in Washington. Our
education program is reaching professionals and students with courses
in ecological design skills, aquaculture, food production, waste
treatment and environmental repair. Recently, we were granted the
Discover Award for Technological Innovation and the Teddy Roosevelt
Conservation Award by President Bush.

We have managed not only to survive but to move ahead with these
developments during a period when the environment was a low priority
in the eyes of government and most industry. But we have done so at
the cost of incurring considerable debt believing that the ideas were
too important to let die. Now, with the renewed promise of the
incoming administration and because of your support for New Alchemy
over the years, we are again turning to you to ask you to remain a
part of keeping its mission alive.

If you were willing, each of you could help us in some way. It would
be wonderful if you would consider any of the following suggestions:

1. Contribute towards a debt reduction fund or to our general support.
2. Help us to create an endowment, which would secure a future for our
work.
3. Help us find customers/clients in industry and in various
communities who need help cleaning up pollution and repairing
environments. Living Machines can upgrade drinking water reservoirs,
restore polluted water bodies and purify wastewaters.
4. Help spread the word. Subscribe to our publication, "Annals of Earth" an
updated equivalent of the old "Journals of the New Alchemists " .

1992 was a tough year for us. Salaries weren't always paid, yet our
morale remained high. We are a committed and talented organization -
dedicated to the Earth and to the training of its stewards. We are
ready with the skills and technologies to make things happen. It is
our hope that there will be a new environmental agenda over the next
decade and we want to play a key role in it. Please help us.

Sincerely,

John Todd, president

P.S. Your contribution is tax deductible. We now accept MC/VISA and
American Express.

================================================== Annals of Earth

The exchange of ideas feeds the roots of new thought. To this end the
Center for the Restoration of Waters publishes "Annals of Earth" to
disseminate the ideas and practice of ecological sustainability
throughout the world. It seeks, through written communication, to
foster the emergence of a new global culture. Published 3 times
yearly, "Annals" has an international roster of scholarly,
philosophical and ecological writers who deal with planetary issues
from a wide range of perspectives. While "Annals" covers and
chronicles the Center's activities, it also publishes articles that
range in subject from the philosophy of ecology, basic biology, hands
on environmental projects, to the Gaia Hypothesis. Distributed
world-wide, "Annals" is an intellectual forum for the presentation of
leading edge environmental thought.

A Publication Of Ocean Arks International and the Lindisfarne
Association Volume X, Number 2, 1992


$? Contribution
$15 Student/unwaged member
$30 Individual member
$35 Canadian member
$ 40 Foreign member
$ 50 Family member
$100 Supporting member $1000 Patron member

Membership includes subscription to "Annals", course announcements and
contributes to the work of OAI. Please make checks payable to Ocean
Arks International. We now accept MC/VISA & American Express. To renew
by phone, please call 508-510-6801.

  A Publication of Ocean Arks International and The Lindisfarne
Association

  OCEAN ARKS INTERNATIONAL

 * Origin: The Twilight Clone (1:109/70.914)
Article 25759 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: PT Lumber
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.4196.2552.0N41F04A@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 94 00:40:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City Info Center 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 102

This message was originally addressed to Karen Ann Woodfork
and a carbon copy was sent to you.
                    ----------------------------------------
Karen wrote;

   >I don't need to be convinced not to put arsenic in my back yard,
   >but I was wondering if you could give me the references for those
   >facts and figures you gave about the hazards of PT sawdust and
   >the eventual disposal problems of PT wood.

My source(s) include the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Hazardous
Waste Section, the tests of the Benton County Solid Waste District
(Foley Minnesota), and independent laboratory analysis conducted under
the supervision of the MNPCA.  I have also provided several samples to
independent laboratories on my own and have confirmed the arsenic and
lead levels.  The 21 dead cows were verified by the State Veterinarian,
actually ordered to be destroyed by him due to the diagnosis of arsenic
poisoning and arsenic in the milk.

The cases of humans overcome by arsenic smoke I have from conducting
an electronic search of various national newspapers for the word
"arsenic".  You can imagine sifting through the reports on the reported
poisoning of President Zachary Taylor and reviews of various
presentations of the play, "Arsenic and old Lace".

The EPA standards on arsenic levels in compost and sludge are from the
EPA 503 sludge rules (11 PPM vs 3000 PPM in PTwood) which are published
in the Federal Register and available from your regional EPA office.
The toxicity reactions of arsenic, symptoms, and treatment are from any
good medical encyclopedia, my copy from toxicity reference documents
used at the Mayo Clinic here in Minnesota.

You can also find a copy of "Arsenic, Chromium, and Copper Poisoning
form Burning Treated Wood" in "The New England Journal of Medicine" June
2, 1983 which reports the effects of arsenic poisoning in a family
exposed to burning arsenic (treated) wood in the fireplace. According to
the three doctors at the University of Wisconsin, the family had
"symptoms of conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, sensory
hyperesthesia of the arms and legs, muscle cramps, dermatitis of over
the arms and legs and soles of the feet, nosebleeds, ear infections,
blackouts and seizures, gastrointestinal disturbances, and severe
alopecia."

"Investigation revealed the presence of high amounts of arsenic in the
hair of the parents (12 to 87 PPM; normal less than .65) levels in the
fingernails 100 to 5,000 ppm; normal .9)  Samples of dust in the home
revealed levels of arsenic up to 2,000 ppm."

You can look at an article called "The Phone Poles that Will Not Die"
from "MSW Management" Nov/Dec 1992.  Check also "Env Pollution" 14.213
26 by C. Grant and A.J. Dobbs "The growth and metal content of plants
grown in soil contaminated by a copper chromium arsenic wood
preservative".  I also have references (Woodson 1971, Chisolm 1972, Hess
and Blanchar 1977) that arsenic at 2500 PPM is a complete soil sterilant
and that sensitive plants show phytotoxicity  from 1 PPM to 50 PPM if the
arsenic is in an extractable form.

Arsenic reacts with plants being substituted for phosphorous (Asher and
Reay 1979) and its effects can be limited by supplemental applications
of phosphate.

I would like to try to
   >convince someone not to use any more of the stuff for picnic
   >tables and the like and I need cold hard facts!

I believe that it is nearly impossible to convince people of the
biohazard of treated lumber, which is the major reason why I am calling
for its removal from public use.  They seem to refuse to believe that
the words "treated" or "pressure" means arsenic, or believe that arsenic
is indeed a poison.  People simply want to believe that since the
product is at the lumber yard, it is the same as regular lumber.  One
neighbor I tried to keep from burning scraps insisted that the wood was
"salted" and that salt was "OK".

KAW>I had always been concerned about the problem of leaching because
   >of the O.G. articles, but now I am more concerned about the vast
   >quantities of this stuff being used for non-gardening structures
   >-
   >(kids jungle-gyms, decks, etc.) .... I need to convince my
   >neighbor not to put the scraps in the "burn pile" -

There is an architect named Cameron Duncan who has led a "one man" fight
against treated lumber in school play equipment.  He has been
intimidated, threatened, slandered, and has had lost business as a
result of his efforts.  There has been virtually no support for his
efforts aside from the National Coalition against the Misuse of
Pesticides, which will provide information at a fee. Their number is
202-543-5450.

 KAW>Your help is greatly appreciated! >-Karen

I am taking the liberty of posting this note on the public conference.

Mr Compost~~~

Jim McNelly~~~
Granite Information Service 612-654-8372-HST 656-0678 v.32bis
jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * January 24th - I may not act wisely, but at least I act.

cc: ALL


Article 25760 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: arsenic soil contaminatio
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.4197.2552.0N41F04B@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 94 00:40:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City Info Center 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 31

This message was originally addressed to Catherine Albert
and a carbon copy was sent to you.
                    ----------------------------------------

CA>Jim,
  >Hi, my name is Catherine.  I live in Colorado Springs, CO in a rental home a

CA>am curious about HOW TO TEST some LUMBER used for a retaining wall in the
  >backyard.  My concern is that this wood is also a defining edge of my
  >vegetable
  >garden.  Is there somewhere I could send a chunk of this wood to have it
  >analyzed?  I have no idea if it was treated lumber or not; I suspect it was.

CA>Thank you for the information...

Hi Catherine,

Try the local Agricultural extension office, the university, an
agricultural testing laboratory, or a private laboratory.  Have them
test for soil mineral content, making sure that there is a test for
copper in the bunch.  Arsenic testing is expensive.

Mr Compost~~~

Jim McNelly~~~
Granite Information Service 612-654-8372-HST 656-0678 v.32bis
jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * January 25th - Auntie Em: Hate you. Hate Kansas. Took the Dog. Dorothy.

cc: all


Article 25586 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.4050.2552.0N41EEC3@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
References: <CJuG2r.FoJ@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 94 16:27:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City Info Center 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 38

Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb

Ray Foster to All - Wednesday, January 19th:
 Discussing: Re: Pressure Treated Lumber


RF>OK, a question from someone to whom this is all new: how can you tell if lum
  >has been treated with CCA?

RF>We bought a house this past summer. The previous owner had built some raised
  >gardens beds using wood. How can I tell whether this is pressure treated woo


Ray, you bring up the chief reason why I believe that arsenic amended
wood should be installed only by licensed pesticide professionals and
that its installation should be clearly identified in the deed of the
property, with full chain of custody like hazardous materials in the
commercial arena.

Aside from the distinctive green or brown tint, there really is no way
to tell.  You may try notching or scratching the wood and see if it is
still stained, since the arsenic, lead, copper, and chromium penetrate
to the core of the wood.

This is just one more piece of evidence why I believe the product should
be banned.  At least the wood could be imprinted with the words
"danger - arsenic" burned into every surface.

Testing for copper is much cheaper than arsenic, if you care to have the
wood analyzed.



Jim McNelly~~~
Granite Cities BBS 612-654-8372-HST 656-0678 v.32bis
jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * January 19th - COMPOSTING: Because a rind is a terrible thing to waste.


Article 25634 of rec.gardens:
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!sgiblab!sgigate.sgi.com!olivea!koriel!news2me.EBay.Sun.COM!exodus.Eng.Sun.COM!ichthous!mcgrew
From: mcgrew@ichthous.Eng.Sun.COM (Darin McGrew)
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb
Date: 21 Jan 1994 18:10:02 GMT
Organization: Sun
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NNTP-Posting-Host: ichthous

jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly) writes:
>This is just one more piece of evidence why I believe the product should
>be banned.  At least the wood could be imprinted with the words
>"danger - arsenic" burned into every surface.

I think you'll have better luck getting its presence recorded on
the deed.  DIY handymen (and probably some professionals) would
try to remove the warning from visible surfaces with a plane, and
then you have toxic wood shavings in addition to the toxic
sawdust and wood scraps.

BTW, thanks for pointing out that the big problem isn't whether
or not the toxins leach into the garden soil, but what becomes of
the treated wood after its useful life.

Darin.McGrew@Eng.Sun.COM     The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth?
                             Who makes him deaf or dumb?  Who gives him sight
Soli Deo Gloria!             or makes him blind?  Is it not I, the LORD?"


Article 25575 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-2.peachnet.edu!emory!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!psinntp!daneel!seldon!nathan
From: nathan@seldon.foundation.tricon.com (Number 6)
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb
Message-ID: <1994Jan19.003211.22232@daneel.foundation.tricon.com>
Organization: Triicon Systems, Inc., Lompoc, CA
References: <2gvb3a$q0k@news.u.washington.edu> <36.3795.2552.0N41E078@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 1994 00:32:10 GMT
Lines: 32

I think the *best* way to get people to realize the dangers of
pressure treated lumber is the one suggested by "Mr. Compost" (sorry,
I'm in my "primitive" news reader now...so I can't get the real name).
Here in California and probably just about everywhere else, you have
to sign your life away on lead paint.  It is a requirement for most
types of loans (mostly Federal Gov't backed ones).  We had to sign so
many disclosures to buy this house it was incredible  but I was glad
that they TOLD us what we were getting into (possibly).  [We don't
have lead paint, btw].  So, a first step is getting the state or the
federal government to look at the research and then draft up a
disclosure statement that must be signed by all homeowners when
applying for the loan.  This does NOT mean that people will actually
read it, unfortunately.  But, if they sign it, and then try to sue
somebody, it'll fly back into their face for not reading it.

Also, I think all landfills that are unlined should just stop taking
the stuff.  We get all our water from the ground and I shudder to
think what the local toxic waste dump cleanup that's in progress is
finding out!  (Not to mention what Unocal Oil is dumping into our
water).

btw  does anyone know how to tell pressure treated lumber? I may have
some of that in my garden  hope not.  I don't think it is because
it's falling apart and rotting and is not all that old.  ("Railroad"
ties as an edging material).



***********************************************************************
Nathan D. Lane, VP Triicon Systems. Lompoc, CA  (805) 7331849 
NaN != 6, 6 == 1.  I am not a number, I am a free list!
I'm a programmer  my computers are more valuable than my cars.


Article 25595 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.4061.2552.0N41EEDF@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
References: <2hjpvk$pvc@netnews.upenn.edu>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 94 22:50:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City Info Center 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 153

Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb

Pauls@Pender.Ee.Upenn.Edu to All - Wednesday, January 19th:
 Discussing: Re: Pressure Treated Lumber

 >jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim McNelly) writes:

P>>...
 >>I say it is time to blow the whistle on arsenic in the back yard and put
 >>a stop to it once and for all, and dedicate our environmental efforts to
 >>ensure safe ultimate disposal.

P>Jim

P>I still have not seen any conclusive evidence that treated wood is
 >harmful.  There is evidence that arsenic leaches out into the soil.
 >So what?  I have seen no evidence that it is in harmful quantities.
 >Can you site any conclusive experiments to support you position on CCA
 >lumber?

Paul,

I believe your question is valid.  Due to the lack of evidence that I
believe is substantive, I have not made the claim that arsenic leaching
from treated wood to the soil is a biohazard.  Organic Gardening and
other sources may make that claim, but I have not.  As to whether or not
arsenic is harmful, you *must* be kidding.

My problem with treated wood is its uncontrolled use, its misuse, and
its ultimate disposal.  The uncontrolled use problem is the situation
where it is used for building decks and other outdoor applications not
in contact with the soil.  Conventional treating of pine with water
sealants is adequate without adding an arsenic load to the biosphere.
Treated wood is designed for direct soil contact where the soil is
moist.  Other applications are not advised, but people use arsenic wood
because they are too lazy to seal pine.  Arsenic wood should be sealed
anyway, but too few do it.

One misuse is in its manufacture, of which the 400 manufacturing sites
in the US are largely unregulated.  Many are Superfund sites waiting to
happen.  Another misuse is the spreading of sawdust and shavings into
the soil.  These *do* leach arsenic, especially as sawdust floats in
stormwater runoff.  Arsenic is being found in ponds and surface water.
Sawdust run off has been linked to deaths of exotic fish in back yard
ponds.  Sudden kills of Koi after installing a deck or other arsenic
landscape project are being increasingly reported.

The worst misuse is from burning arsenic treated wood scraps and arsenic
in ash from house fires.  This form of arsenic is no longer bound in the
wood fiber and is highly volatile at 3000 parts per million.  Arsenic
ash is a class 1 carcinogen as rated by the EPA.  By law, arsenic ash
must be sent to a hazardous waste disposal site.  Currently it is not.
I call that misuse.

I have documentation from the Minnesota Hazardous Waste Management
Department of 24 dairy cows killed from eating arsenic ash from
uncontrolled burning of treated lumber.  I have news reports of three
other cattle poisonings, and several cases of deer-kills from eating
arsenic ash.  There are three documented cases of families being
overcome or exposed to arsenic requiring medical attention from arsenic
fumes from burning treated wood in fireplaces and outdoor fires.  I have
copies of medical textbooks outlining the effects of arsenic poisoning
and treatment, of which diarrhea and neural damage come from ingestion.

The most significant danger to humans is arsenic on the skin, which even
in small quantities can cause skin cancer.  The doubling of the rate
of skin cancer (albeit coincidentally) parallels the time period when
arsenic wood was introduced to the environment.  The pathways of
exposure can come from working with the wood without gloves or
protective clothing or getting the dust on the body. It can also come
from walking on treated wood with bare feet or mouthing the wood,
especially cut ends and nicks. Ash contact with the skin, even from a
fire miles away can cause skin cancer.

Children playing in the dirt where arsenic sawdust was left years
previously can be a means of arsenic exposure.  The arsenic levels under
treated wood play equipment have been tested at 200 times background
levels.  The documentation on the use of treated wood tell users to wear
protective clothing, shower after working, vacuum the sawdust, refrain
from smoking and eating, and to send the scraps to the landfill.  How
often are buyers give the instructions for safe use?  How many follow
the recommended practices? Hardly any, which is why I call it a product
out of control.

P>Garden built with x square feet of CCA treated wood in various stages
 >of decomposition:  new, old, severly decayed, chips/sawdust.  Then test
 >soil at various levels and distances from the wood and test the
 >vegetables.

The data I have seen has shown me that the arsenic is not leaching into
the soil, and the pathway of ingestion is difficult to substantiate.  If
anyone has evidence to the contrary, I have yet to see it.  Until I see
firm documentation, I will not claim that arsenic leaching from properly
treated wood is the problem.  The treated wood industry has repeatedly
engaged me on other Bulletin Boards in arguing the issue of
leachability, of which I concede their points.  Frankly I am surprised
they are not here on rec.gardens with their party line of "no leach in
soul equals safe" argument.  My argument is not leachability and uptake
by plants, it is the issue of the widespread abuse of the product that I
am concerned about.

P>This combined with a clear explaination of what levels are considered
 >harmful to humans in food would be conclusive.

The harmful levels in food are not the issue as I mentioned previously.
The harm is in uncontrolled sawdust, waste, and ash.   The rate of
decomposition of treated wood is understood, but the wood has only been
on the market for about fifty years, with 90% of total sales within the
past fifteen. The wood has yet to rot to the point of being a leaching
problem...... yet.  No one denies that it is a matter of time when it is
a leaching problem.  Then we will have arsenic on root vegetables,
children eating arsenic contaminated soil, children playing in arsenic
rotted wood, airborne arsenic dust, arsenic silt run off and so forth.
It will be a major problem around the year 2025.  A sad legacy because
people won't take the effort to seal pine when building decks, in my
opinion.

P>Has such a test been conducted?  If not, Why not?

The tests have been conducted, and they show the arsenic not to be
leaching.  But the wood *will* eventually rot, and then the arsenic will
start leaching.  The treated lumber industry only gives the wood a 60
year life expectancy in the soil.  Which means in 60 years, the next
generation will be dealing with disposing of leaching, rotting, arsenic
contaminated wood mould rather than stable boards.

Again my point of last week is to identify the location of the wood and
ensure that it is well marked and not accidentally removed and disposed
of improperly.  When it does age, let's use the figure of 40 years, it
should be removed from the soil before it rots and taken to a hazardous
waste disposal site. I say to stop its uncontrolled sale and reserve its
use for applications that are demonstrated to require a biocide treated
wood.  Then to track its location and ultimate disposal, just like any
other biohazard is managed in commercial use.  The household exemption
for hazardous waste can no longer be swept under the rug.  What goes
into the environment has to be accounted for.

I do not consider myself to be an environmental extremist and work with
scientific principles regarding metal accumulations in soil on a regular
basis in my professional capacity as an organic matter management
specialist.  Arsenic levels have become a concern in wood scrap grinding
operations as levels over 11 PPM are not allowed to go into the soil in
compost, sludge, or fuel.  I can document many cases of wood scrap
recyclers having to send tens of thousands of tons of wood chips to
landfills because of treated wood contamination

Mr Compost~~~

Jim McNelly~~~
Granite Information Service 612-654-8372-HST 656-0678 v.32bis
jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * January 19th - It is not logical, but it is often true.


Article 25581 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
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From: os2user@brdiller.houston.ibm.com (Barry Diller)
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb
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In <2hjpvk$pvc@netnews.upenn.edu>, pauls@pender.ee.upenn.edu (Richard J. Pauls) writes:
>In article <36.3795.2552.0N41E078@gcbb.granite.mn.org> jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly) writes:
>
>>...
>>I say it is time to blow the whistle on arsenic in the back yard and put
>>a stop to it once and for all, and dedicate our environmental efforts to
>>ensure safe ultimate disposal.
>>
>>How about it, rec.garden members?
>>
>>Mr Compost~~~
>>
>>Jim McNelly~~~
>
>Jim
>
>I am very concerned about arsenic poisoning, and I plan to remove the treated
>wood from around my gardens this spring just to be safe.  That is, just
>IN CASE it actually is harmful.  I can due without the wood, so why take
>any chance is my position.

I think that this pretty well summarized my opinion on this matter until I
read Jim McNelly's post, which you've partially quoted above.

>
>I still have not seen any conclusive evidence that treated wood is
>harmful.  There is evidence that arsenic leaches out into the soil.
>So what?  I have seen no evidence that it is in harmful quantities.

I think you're missing what I considered to be Mr. McNelly's main point:

    "Properly processed treated wood does not leach arsenic under
     normal conditions. How we, the public and the environmental
     community, focused on this one narrow issue and missed the
     rest of the story, the story about the sawdust, the scraps, the
     ash, and the ultimate disposal is shameful."

Now, we can all argue here about how much arsenic actually leaches
into our garden soil from CCA lumber under different conditions, and
we can talk about what PPM of arsenic in our garden soil might be an
intolerable amount, and so forth - and those would probably be some
very useful discussions - but the larger issue is what is to become of
all our CCA lumber when we're finished with it.

Is CCA lumber going to be the 'asbestos' of the 1990's or 2000's?

>Can you site any conclusive experiments to support you position on CCA
>lumber?  The warning label that comes on the wood is not conclusive.
>In reading this group, there seem to be more posts
>saying the wood is ok than there are saying it is harmful.  Without
>conclusive evidence from multiple sources I do not believe we or any
>other group will have a chance of removing this poison from common
>houshold use in decks and gardens.  I heard about the article in  Organic
>Gardening, but have not yet read it.  I also heard that it was not
>quantitative.  I want more than just scare tactics from the environmentally
>extreme.  I want the facts.  Is this wood dangerous or not?  Until the
>facts are revealed, I will not be using treated lumber just in case.
>If there is so much concern about this stuff why arn't there more tests?
>I want answers like this:
>
>Garden built with x square feet of CCA treated wood in various stages
>of decomposition:  new, old, severly decayed, chips/sawdust.  Then test
>soil at various levels and distances from the wood and test the vegetables.
>Then publish results:
>

 <deletions>

>
>This combined with a clear explaination of what levels are considered
>harmful to humans in food would be conclusive.

And if the levels of leached arsenic proved acceptable to you, will you
then go out and buy a couple of tons of CCA lumber and place it in your
backyard?

Are you prepared to handle the lumber properly during construction? What
are you going to do with the sawdust and scraps - send them to your
local landfill? Burn them? And what will you do in 20 years when the
lumber has turned to mush, or in 5 years when you decide to remodel or
re-landscape?

Please re-read Jim McNelly's note. Arsenic 'leaching' is not CCA
lumber's biggest liability.

>
>Has such a test been conducted?  If not, Why not?
>
>
>
>Rich

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barry R. Diller                              IBM Federal Sector Sevices Company
EMail address: brdiller@vnet.ibm.com         Houston, Texas USA



Article 25621 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
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Date: Fri, 21 Jan 94 00:02:00 +0600
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Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumb

Pauls@Pender.Ee.Upenn.Edu to All - Wednesday, January 19th:
 Discussing: Re: Pressure Treated Lumber

 >jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim McNelly) writes:

P>>...
 >>I say it is time to blow the whistle on arsenic in the back yard and put
 >>a stop to it once and for all, and dedicate our environmental efforts to
 >>ensure safe ultimate disposal.

P>Jim


P>I still have not seen any conclusive evidence that treated wood is
 >harmful.  There is evidence that arsenic leaches out into the soil.
 >So what?  I have seen no evidence that it is in harmful quantities.
 >Can you site any conclusive experiments to support you position on CCA
 >lumber?

Paul,

I believe your question is valid.  Due to the lack of evidence that I
believe is substantive, I have not made the claim that arsenic leaching
from treated wood to the soil is a biohazard.  Organic Gardening and
other sources may make that claim, but I have not.

My problem with treated wood is is uncontrolled use, its misuse, and its
ultimate disposal.  The uncontrolled use problem is the situation where
it is used for building decks and other outdoor applications not in
contact with the soil.  Conventional treating of pine with water
sealants is adequate without adding an arsenic load to the biosphere.
Treated wood is designed for direct soil contact where the soil is
moist.  Other applications are not advised.

One misuse is in its manufacture, of which the 400 manufacturing sites
in the US are largely unregulated.  Many are Superfund sites waiting to
happen.  Another misuse is the spreading of sawdust and shavings into
the soil.  These *do* leach arsenic, especially as sawdust floats in
stormwater runoff.  Arsenic is being found in ponds and surface water.

The worst misuse is from burning arsenic treated wood scraps and arsenic
in ash from house fires.  This form of arsenic is no longer bound in the
wood fiber and is highly volatile at 3000 parts per million.  Arsenic
ash is a class 1 carcinogen as rated by the EPA.  By law, arsenic ash
must be sent to a hazardous waste disposal site.  Currently it is not.
I call that misuse.

I have documentation from the Minnesota Hazardous Waste Management
Department of 24 dairy cows killed from eating arsenic ash from
uncontrolled burning of treated lumber.  I have news reports of three
other cattle poisonings, and several cases of deer-kills from eating
arsenic ash.  There are three documented cases of families being
overcome from arsenic fumes from burning treated wood in fireplaces and
outdoor fires.  I have copies of medical textbooks outlining the effects
of arsenic poisoning and treatment, of which diarrhea and neural damage
come from ingestion.

The most significant danger to humans is arsenic on the skin, even in
small quantities which the main symptom is skin cancer.  This is caused
from working with the wood without gloves or protective clothing and
getting the dust on the body.  It can also come from walking on treated
wood with bare feet.  Ash contact with the skin, even from a fire miles
away can cause skin cancer.


P>Garden built with x square feet of CCA treated wood in various stages
 >of decomposition:  new, old, severly decayed, chips/sawdust.  Then test
 >soil at various levels and distances from the wood and test the
 >vegetables.

The data I have seen has shown me that the arsenic is not leaching into
the soil, and the pathway of ingestion is difficult to substantiate.  If
anyone has evidence to the contrary, I have yet to see it.  Until I see
firm documentation, I will not claim that arsenic leaching from properly
treated wood is the problem.


P>This combined with a clear explaination of what levels are considered
 >harmful to humans in food would be conclusive.

The harmful levels in food are not the issue as I mentioned previously.
The harm is in uncontrolled sawdust and ash.   The rate of decomposition
of treated wood is understood, but the wood has only been on the market
for about fifty years, with 90% of total sales within the past fifteen.

P>Has such a test been conducted?  If not, Why not?

The tests have been conducted, and they show the arsenic not to be
leaching.  But the wood *will* eventually rot, and then the arsenic will
start leaching.  The treated lumber industry only gives the wood a 60
year life expectancy in the soil.  Which means in 60 years, the next
generation will be dealing with disposing of leaching, rotting, arsenic
contaminated wood mould rather than stable boards.

Again my point of last week is to identify the location of the wood and
ensure that it is well marked and not accidentally removed and disposed
of improperly.  When it does age, let's use the figure of 40 years, it
should be removed from the soil before it rots and taken to a hazardous
waste disposal site.

I do not consider myself to be an environmental extremist and work with
scientific principles regarding metal accumulations in soil on a regular
basis in my professional capacity as an organic matter management
specialist.  Arsenic levels have become a concern in wood scrap grinding
operations as levels over 11 PPM are not allowed to go into the soil in
compost, sludge, or fuel.  I can document many cases of wood scrap
recyclers having to send tens of thousands of tons of wood chips to
landfills because of treated wood contamination


Mr Compost~~~

Jim McNelly~~~
Granite Information Service 612-654-8372-HST 656-0678 v.32bis
jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * January 19th - Another conundrum to ponder


Article 25573 of rec.gardens:
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Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumber (YIKES)
Message-ID: <2hk1s4$ckv@falstaff.css.beckman.com>
From: heffron@falstaff.css.beckman.com (Matt Heffron)
Date: 19 Jan 1994 11:32:20 -0800
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In <1994Jan17.153042.14505@nicmad.uucp> Bob Klebba
  <nicmad!klebba%astroatc.uucp@spool.cs.wisc.edu> writes:

>In article <2h7pm3$dvj@news.u.washington.edu> Schooder,
>bene@u.washington.edu writes:
>>I read an article in Organic Gardening...a couple months ago,
>>can't find the issue right now...that said more nasties DO leach
>>out of PT wood than the industry would like you to know.

The "more than the industry would like you to know" phrase was Schooder's,
it's not in the article.

>How much is more than we would like to know?  Is it 1 ppb, 5 ppb or is it
>a ppm?

It looks like the numbers are in the low ppm to very high ppb range. 
(They aren't directly stated but can be inferred from other numbers in
the article.)

>        I don't want to defend the wood products industry, but in my
>experience, OG isn't known for their absolute quantitative accuracy.  How
>much can leach out before we need to be concerned vis a vis all the other
>pollutants we expose ourselves to everyday?

I've typed in some excerpts (about half) of the Organic Gardening
article, attached below.  I'm glad I haven't built my raised beds yet.

Matt Heffron

----------------------------------------------------------
Excerpts from the Organic Gardening article:
"TREATED WOOD:  Yes, it's still toxic!"
by Cheryl Long and Mike McGrath
(Jan 94, pp 71-74)

Recently, a Texas count extension agent pronounced
pressure-treated wood safe to use in raised bed gardens. 
Newspapers, industry magazines such as _Nursery News_, and
even another major American gardenign magazine all reported
this finding not only as truth, but as the final word on
the subject.

   ...Many readers have written to ask if we have changed
our opinion on treated wood and/or to comment on this new
report from Texas.

   No, we haven't changed our opinion and that Texas report
was not a true scientific study.  It was a half thought-out
experiment conducted by a local extension agent and an
extension vegetable specialist after gardeners in their
region became concerned following our reports about the
dangers of using "pressure-treated" wood (which is actually
made with two heavy metals and arsenic, not "pressure" as
the companies that produce this stuff would like you to
think).

   Anyway, these two guys took 15 soil samples from raised
bed gardens framed with CCA (chromated copper arsenic)
treated wood and had them tested.  Despite the fact that
two different labs found measurable amounts of arsenic in
every instance, these two rocket scientists still concluded
that the tests had somehow "confirmed that arsenic was not
leaching from the timbers."

   ...In a _real_ study, the arsenic levels found in the
treated-wood soil would have been compared to the amount
(if any) of arsenic found in similar soil that wasn't
surrounded by treated wood.  All they _can_ say for sure
from their limited testing is that there was definately
arsenic in every soil sample taken near treated wood.  How
they determined that the arsenic did not come from the
treated wood is beyond us.
   ...

   We, on the other hand, have continued our research on
"pressure-treated" wood and are even _more_ convinced than
ever that this stuff should not be used in organic gardens.
Here are excerpts from some of the additional scientific
studies we've reviewed recently:  

* "This study suggests that leaching of metals from treated
wood in acidic waters (natural or resulting from acidic
precipitation) _[Editor's Note: acid rain]_ may present an
unacceptable environmental risk...Leaching of metals from
weathered wood found to be very similar to that from new
wood...Results from this study suggest that organic acids
may cause greater leaching from CCA-treated wood than
mineral acids...Organic acids are present in...soils, bogs
and wetland areas."
-- Warner and Solomon, _Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry_, 1990

* "It has been shown that organic acids may cause
significant leaching of all components of CCA...CCA-treated
jack pine blocks exposed to vegetable compost had greater
leaching losses (12 to 13 percent CCA leached) than matched
samples in distilled water (4 to 6 percent leached),
exterior weathering (2 to 8 percent) or exterior soil burial
(1 to 6 percent.)"
-- Cooper and Ung, _Forest Products Journal_, Sept. 1992

...

* "Even after two years of exposure to rain and snow, the
leaching of chromium, copper and arsenic from CCA-treated
wood roofing is too high to allow collected water from such
roofing to be used as drinking water according to the
Norwegian requirements."
-- Evans, International Working Group on Wood
Preservation, 1987

* "The amount of arsenic alone that leached from a
2-by-2-inch piece of wood in one week in our studies is
enough...to kill a mouse...Just think how much is being
leached from piers and bulkheads."
-- Sanders, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
1991

...

Once again: The simple truth is that _there is no question
that chromium, copper and arsenic all leach from treated
wood--even the treated wood industry itself admits that
much._

...

   Garn Wallace, Ph.D., a biochemist at Wallace
Laboratories in El Segundo, Calif., who with his fater has
been studying the effects of heavy metals on soils and
plants for over 20 years, explains that levels as low as 
_1 part per million_ soluble arsenic (which is equal to
about 20 ppm "total arsenic") have been reported to be
toxic to some plants. ...Unfortunately, he explains, "the
organic acids in compost greatly increase the solubility of
arsenic."

   When we asked Dr. Wallace his opinion of the Texas "CCA
is Safe" report, he stated that some of the arsenic levels
they reported finding could be toxic to plants and added
that "if these levels were found in my garden, I would
definitely be concerned _and_ I sould certainly avoid
eating root vegetables grown in those soils."  (Arsenic
accumulation in plants occurs mainly in the roots.)

   New data shows that even _very_ low levels of arsenic in
drinking water can cause severla kinds of cancer; and so
the EPA is currently deciding how much to _lower_ the
currently limit of 50 parts per _billion_ for arsenic in
drinking water.  (That's right--the "harmless" levels found
in soil by the Texas guys were hundreds of times higher
that the levels that the EPA is now saying are too high for
water.)

   ...

   We have now cited two dozen scientific studies and
government reports that document the dangers of arsenic and
the leaching of all three toxins from treated wood.  Send
us a stamped, self-addressed envelope and we'll send you a
list if you want to look them up yourself.

   ...

   So what should _you_ do next time somebody tells you
treated wood is safe?  Take a simple cotton cloth--say
their handkerchief--and rub it over a piece of treated
wood; a raised bed timper or a piece of playground
equipment that a child may touch a hunderd times in an hour.

   Show the person that cloth and explain that it now has
detectable levels of arsenic on it.  Who says?  Both
American (U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commision) _and_
Canadian (Health and Welfare Canada and Geological Survey
of Canada) government researchers who performed this simple
"wipe test" themselves on treated-wood playground equipment
of varying ages.  They never failed to find arsenic on the
cloth afterwards.

----------------------------------------------------------
-- 
Matt Heffron                      heffron@falstaff.css.beckman.com
Beckman Instruments, Inc.         voice: (714) 961-3128
2500 N. Harbor Blvd. MS X-10, Fullerton, CA 92634-3100
I don't speak for Beckman Instruments unless they say so.


Article 25673 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!darwin.sura.net!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!newsfeed.rice.edu!rice!owlnet.rice.edu!segura
From: segura@owlnet.rice.edu (Chad James Segura)
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumber (YIKES)
Message-ID: <CJzvw1.70C@rice.edu>
Sender: news@rice.edu (News)
Organization: Rice University
References: <2h7pm3$dvj@news.u.washington.edu> <1994Jan17.153042.14505@nicmad.uucp> <2hk1s4$ckv@falstaff.css.beckman.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 1994 19:38:22 GMT
Lines: 103

In article <2hk1s4$ckv@falstaff.css.beckman.com>, heffron@falstaff.css.beckman.com (Matt Heffron) writes:


A lot deleted.

|> 
|> ...
|> 
|> * "Even after two years of exposure to rain and snow, the
|> leaching of chromium, copper and arsenic from CCA-treated
|> wood roofing is too high to allow collected water from such
|> roofing to be used as drinking water according to the
|> Norwegian requirements."
|> -- Evans, International Working Group on Wood
|> Preservation, 1987

I wouldn't drink water from any roof of any type.

|> 
|> * "The amount of arsenic alone that leached from a
|> 2-by-2-inch piece of wood in one week in our studies is
|> enough...to kill a mouse...Just think how much is being
|> leached from piers and bulkheads."
|> -- Sanders, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
|> 1991

Enough to kill a mouse, but in what concentration. Pure?
|> 
|> ...
|> 
|> Once again: The simple truth is that _there is no question
|> that chromium, copper and arsenic all leach from treated
|> wood--even the treated wood industry itself admits that
|> much._

They do?  Of course, there is some leaching, but it is the
amount that matters and not that it does.

|> 
|> ...
|> 
|>    Garn Wallace, Ph.D., a biochemist at Wallace
|> Laboratories in El Segundo, Calif., who with his fater has
|> been studying the effects of heavy metals on soils and
|> plants for over 20 years, explains that levels as low as 
|> _1 part per million_ soluble arsenic (which is equal to
|> about 20 ppm "total arsenic") have been reported to be
|> toxic to some plants. ...Unfortunately, he explains, "the
|> organic acids in compost greatly increase the solubility of
|> arsenic."
|> 
|>    When we asked Dr. Wallace his opinion of the Texas "CCA
|> is Safe" report, he stated that some of the arsenic levels
|> they reported finding could be toxic to plants and added
|> that "if these levels were found in my garden, I would
|> definitely be concerned _and_ I sould certainly avoid
|> eating root vegetables grown in those soils."  (Arsenic
|> accumulation in plants occurs mainly in the roots.)
|> 
|>    New data shows that even _very_ low levels of arsenic in
|> drinking water can cause severla kinds of cancer; and so
|> the EPA is currently deciding how much to _lower_ the
|> currently limit of 50 parts per _billion_ for arsenic in
|> drinking water.  (That's right--the "harmless" levels found
|> in soil by the Texas guys were hundreds of times higher
|> that the levels that the EPA is now saying are too high for
|> water.)

That amount in soil is not the same as that amount in water.
I do not eat soil.

|> 
|>    ...
|> 
|>    We have now cited two dozen scientific studies and
|> government reports that document the dangers of arsenic and
|> the leaching of all three toxins from treated wood.  Send
|> us a stamped, self-addressed envelope and we'll send you a
|> list if you want to look them up yourself.

And were there any which you ignored, because their findings
didn't match your conclusions?

|> 
|>    ...
|> 
|>    So what should _you_ do next time somebody tells you
|> treated wood is safe?  Take a simple cotton cloth--say
|> their handkerchief--and rub it over a piece of treated
|> wood; a raised bed timper or a piece of playground
|> equipment that a child may touch a hunderd times in an hour.
|> 
|>    Show the person that cloth and explain that it now has
|> detectable levels of arsenic on it.  Who says?  Both
|> American (U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commision) _and_
|> Canadian (Health and Welfare Canada and Geological Survey
|> of Canada) government researchers who performed this simple
|> "wipe test" themselves on treated-wood playground equipment
|> of varying ages.  They never failed to find arsenic on the
|> cloth afterwards.


Chad


Article 25699 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
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From: ajh@diamond.idbsu.edu (Andrew Huang)
Subject: Re: Pressure Treated Lumber (YIKES)
In-Reply-To: segura@owlnet.rice.edu's message of Fri, 21 Jan 1994 19:38:22 GMT
Message-ID: <AJH.94Jan23131419@diamond.idbsu.edu>
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	<2hk1s4$ckv@falstaff.css.beckman.com> <CJzvw1.70C@rice.edu>
Date: 23 Jan 94 13:14:19
Lines: 21

Chad James Segura) writes:
   I wouldn't drink water from any roof of any type.

In Bermuda, you have no choice.  Building codes _require_ the
inclusion of cisterns that collect rain water from the roofs for
domestic use.

   That amount in soil is not the same as that amount in water.
   I do not eat soil.

Yes, but your children and their friend do.  And if you garden, you
will get it on your skin, which turns out to be a good way to absorb
As.

   And were there any which you ignored, because their findings
   didn't match your conclusions?

Don't needle the poster - the posting was clearly marked as an excerpt
from Organic Gardening.

-andy



From london@calypso Wed Jan 26 17:05:59 1994
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 15:45:44 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu

Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: PT Lumber
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.4196.2552.0N41F04A@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 94 00:40:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City Info Center 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 102

This message was originally addressed to Karen Ann Woodfork
and a carbon copy was sent to you.
                    ----------------------------------------
Karen wrote;

   >I don't need to be convinced not to put arsenic in my back yard,
   >but I was wondering if you could give me the references for those
   >facts and figures you gave about the hazards of PT sawdust and
   >the eventual disposal problems of PT wood.

My source(s) include the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Hazardous
Waste Section, the tests of the Benton County Solid Waste District
(Foley Minnesota), and independent laboratory analysis conducted under
the supervision of the MNPCA.  I have also provided several samples to
independent laboratories on my own and have confirmed the arsenic and
lead levels.  The 21 dead cows were verified by the State Veterinarian,
actually ordered to be destroyed by him due to the diagnosis of arsenic
poisoning and arsenic in the milk.

The cases of humans overcome by arsenic smoke I have from conducting
an electronic search of various national newspapers for the word
"arsenic".  You can imagine sifting through the reports on the reported
poisoning of President Zachary Taylor and reviews of various
presentations of the play, "Arsenic and old Lace".

The EPA standards on arsenic levels in compost and sludge are from the
EPA 503 sludge rules (11 PPM vs 3000 PPM in PTwood) which are published
in the Federal Register and available from your regional EPA office.
The toxicity reactions of arsenic, symptoms, and treatment are from any
good medical encyclopedia, my copy from toxicity reference documents
used at the Mayo Clinic here in Minnesota.

You can also find a copy of "Arsenic, Chromium, and Copper Poisoning
form Burning Treated Wood" in "The New England Journal of Medicine" June
2, 1983 which reports the effects of arsenic poisoning in a family
exposed to burning arsenic (treated) wood in the fireplace. According to
the three doctors at the University of Wisconsin, the family had
"symptoms of conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, sensory
hyperesthesia of the arms and legs, muscle cramps, dermatitis of over
the arms and legs and soles of the feet, nosebleeds, ear infections,
blackouts and seizures, gastrointestinal disturbances, and severe
alopecia."

"Investigation revealed the presence of high amounts of arsenic in the
hair of the parents (12 to 87 PPM; normal less than .65) levels in the
fingernails 100 to 5,000 ppm; normal .9)  Samples of dust in the home
revealed levels of arsenic up to 2,000 ppm."

You can look at an article called "The Phone Poles that Will Not Die"
from "MSW Management" Nov/Dec 1992.  Check also "Env Pollution" 14.213
26 by C. Grant and A.J. Dobbs "The growth and metal content of plants
grown in soil contaminated by a copper chromium arsenic wood
preservative".  I also have references (Woodson 1971, Chisolm 1972, Hess
and Blanchar 1977) that arsenic at 2500 PPM is a complete soil sterilant
and that sensitive plants show phytotoxicity  from 1 PPM to 50 PPM if the
arsenic is in an extractable form.

Arsenic reacts with plants being substituted for phosphorous (Asher and
Reay 1979) and its effects can be limited by supplemental applications
of phosphate.

I would like to try to
   >convince someone not to use any more of the stuff for picnic
   >tables and the like and I need cold hard facts!

I believe that it is nearly impossible to convince people of the
biohazard of treated lumber, which is the major reason why I am calling
for its removal from public use.  They seem to refuse to believe that
the words "treated" or "pressure" means arsenic, or believe that arsenic
is indeed a poison.  People simply want to believe that since the
product is at the lumber yard, it is the same as regular lumber.  One
neighbor I tried to keep from burning scraps insisted that the wood was
"salted" and that salt was "OK".

KAW>I had always been concerned about the problem of leaching because
   >of the O.G. articles, but now I am more concerned about the vast
   >quantities of this stuff being used for non-gardening structures
   >-
   >(kids jungle-gyms, decks, etc.) .... I need to convince my
   >neighbor not to put the scraps in the "burn pile" -

There is an architect named Cameron Duncan who has led a "one man" fight
against treated lumber in school play equipment.  He has been
intimidated, threatened, slandered, and has had lost business as a
result of his efforts.  There has been virtually no support for his
efforts aside from the National Coalition against the Misuse of
Pesticides, which will provide information at a fee. Their number is
202-543-5450.

 KAW>Your help is greatly appreciated! >-Karen

I am taking the liberty of posting this note on the public conference.

Mr Compost~~~

Jim McNelly~~~
Granite Information Service 612-654-8372-HST 656-0678 v.32bis
jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * January 24th - I may not act wisely, but at least I act.

cc: ALL

From london@calypso Wed Jan 26 17:06:34 1994
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 16:31:28 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: ptlumber

Article 15654 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Path: samba!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!uunet!nwnexus!ole!griff
From: griff@ole.cdac.com (Mark Griffin)
Subject: Pressure treated lumber repost
Message-ID: <1993Apr15.072417.6622@ole.cdac.com>
Sender: griff@ole.cdac.com (Mark Griffin)
Organization: Cascade Design Automation, Bellevue, WA
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1993 07:24:17 GMT
Lines: 151

This is a repost of an article I read a while ago on this subject that
seemed so well documented that it was hard to ignore.  I got tweaked
into reposting it after reading someone getting flamed about using
good 'ol CCA40 by a bozo that seemed to not take much of anything
seriously.

Hope it helps whoever requested it.

griff@cdac.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------
This was posted in misc.consumers.house a while ago.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

>From: bellas@ttidca.TTI.COM (Pete Bellas)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house,sci.med,misc.kids
Subject: Re: Hazards of arsenic in pressure-treated wood used in play equipment
Date: 9 Aug 90 17:58:28 GMT
Organization: Citicorp/TTI, Santa Monica

In article <76@towernet.UUCP> mcg@rigel.uucp (22630-M C Germain(1772)L999) writes:
>
>
>A group of us are building a playground set and the use of pressure-treated
>wood had been suggested. I recall a that demonstrated health hazard existed do
>to the arsenic and chromium compounds used, both from physical contact of wood 
>surfaces and from subsequent leaching of arsenic and chromium-containing  into 
>the immediate soil. My concern is that small children, playing on the 
>playground set, would most certainly come into contact with these compounds, 
>may put fingers into their mouths, or have snacks without washing up prior to 
>eating. 
>
>I'm looking for papers and, or other info in the scientific literature which
>discusses this issue. I'm proposing to use untreated wood, but to finish it
>with a high quality wood preservitive, such as Thompsons. I'd like to present
>my case from a position of substantive knowledge.


  The most common preservatives are creosote, pentachlorophenol and
inorganic arsenic salts.  The first two are sold as paints for home 
application, while the third is used primarily in commercial "pressure
treated" wood.
  The terms pressure treated and preserved seem innocuous enough, but
the chemicals involved are potent pesticides formulated to repel termites,
bacteria and fungi for decades.  Although homeowners want their playsets to
last, the thought of children playing on poisoned wood is repugnant.  It is 
not surprising, then, that as wood gained popularity as a play structure
materiel, preservatives came under close scrutiny.  The chemicals are
practical and convenient, but are they safe?
  Ultimately all preservatives pose some risk, although the health hazard
varies from potentially serious to negligible.  Creosote, the smelly black
goo that is smeared on railroad ties and telephone poles is the oldest
industrial wood preservative and has been in use for almost 150 years.
In laboratory animals it causes skin irritation, cancer and genetic damage;
in humans, it has been linked to skin cancer and causes eye and skin 
irritations, dermatitis and burns.  It remains potent for years, moving
easily through the wood to affect the soil - and the skin and lungs of
anyone who touches it or breathes its vapors.
  Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a cleaner alternative to creosote, but is
equally suspect from a health standpoint.  A member of the same chemical 
family as 2,4,5-T, it contains dioxins and has caused cancer and birth
defects in laboratory animals as well as short term effects such as
skin, eye, nose and throat irritations.  It is easily inhaled and absorbed
through the skin and continues to give off toxic vapors for as long as seven
years.  The EPA controls the use of both PCP and creosote and recommends
sealing any wood that has been contaminated by these preservatives with two
coats of urethane, shellac or latex epoxy enamel (shellac is inappropriate
for play structures for it is slippery when wet).
  The pressure treated wood sold in lumber yards is preserved with inorganic
arsenic compounds, either chromated copper arsenic (CCA) or ammoniacal
copper arsenate (ACA).  CCA was developed by Karl Hienrick Wolman in 1913
(hence the term Wolmanized) and has been used for 50 years as an inexpensive
alternate to creosote.  Associated with rats and lace trimmed old ladies
diabolically doing in unsuspecting boarders, "arsenic" strikes a note of
uneasiness in most people, but it is a common element in the environment.
The form of arsenic used in treated wood is the pentavalent state - the
same that is found in shrimp, mushrooms, rice and sardines.  In laboratory 
animals, inorganic arsenic compounds can cause cancer, birth defects and
genetic mutations, as well as headaches, dizziness and muscle spasms.  But,
unlike PCP and creosote, the arsenic preservatives bind tightly to the wood
fibers.  Studies show that the chemicals do not migrate to the surrounding
soil and plant tissue and are not absorbed through human skin.  The EPA
concluded that pressure treated wood is "safe for frequent contact because
absorption through the skin is negligible."
  The preservative sometimes leaves a bloom of chemical residue on the lumber,
and while children cannot absorb the arsenic by directly touching it, their
fingers often end up in their mouths.  To assess this danger, the California
State Department of Health conducted a study in which researchers repeatedly
licked their hands after rubbing them over treated wood surfaces.  After 
several days of testing, their urine showed no increase of arsenic even
though the measuring device was sensitive enough to detect the effects of
a single sardine.  The authors of `Evaluation of Risk to Children Using
Arsenic-Treated Playground Equipment' concluded that kids have as much chance
of getting skin cancer from the CCA-treated play equipment as they do from
playing in the sun.
  CCA is probably more of a health risk to parents than to their children
since minute amounts of preservative laced sawdust may be inhaled or 
swallowed during construction.  Wear a dust mask when sawing or machining
arsenic-preserved wood, and do the work outdoors to avoid contaminating
indoor air with preservative dust.  Because incineration of treated wood
releases arsine, an extremely poisonous gas, wood scraps should never be
burned; bury them or take them to an approved dump site.
  Pressure treating the wood does not inject preservatives right to the core
of the lumber; thus, drilled or cut surfaces have to be brushed with at
least two coats of liquid preservative.  Wear rubber gloves during these 
applications, avoid dripping the chemical on plants, and wash hands 
thoroughly after any skin contact to remove any residue.  After the 
structure is built, hose it down with soap and water to remove any surface 
deposits of chemicals.
  Though these three account for the bulk of preservatives sold there are
alternatives: low toxicity preservatives such as copper and zinc napthanate,
copper-8-quinolinolate, polybase, bis[tributyltin]oxide (TBTO), and 
TBTO/polybase.  These are not known carcinogens, are not herbicidal or 
poisonous in the concentrations used for preserving wood and are relatively
stable.  All effectively prevent damage from mold, mildew and rot by keeping 
the wood dry enough to discharge fungi and bacteria.  Copper napthanate, the
active ingredient in Cuprinol, has been on the market the longest (1948).
Often used to treat lumber for greenhouse growing beds, copper napthanate
is the only one of the above chemicals rated to withstand constant ground
contact.  Because it can be difficult to paint over and must be reapplied
if the wood cracks, it is better to use copper napthanate below ground, and
use zinc napthanate or one of the other water-repellant finishes above ground.
These chemicals are not, however, sufficient to protect wood against termites.
Termites feast on copper napthanate as readily as they do cedar, leaving CCA
treated wood as the only alternative for areas with termite problems.

I hope this has helped.

			-Pete-

References:
California State Department of Health - "Evaluation of Risk to Children Using
	Arsenic-Treated Playground Equipment'
Canadian Institute of Child Health - "Moving and Growing"
Home Playgrounds - Merilyn Mohr - Camden House

Disclaimer:These are solely the opinions of the author and in no way reflect 
           the opinions of Citicorp or it's management.
*Batteries not included, void where prohibited, discontinue reading if a
 rash develops.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
-- 
* Pete Bellas                   "Cogito ergo spud"                         *
* Citicorp/TTI                       I think therefore I yam.              *
* Santa Monica, CA                                                         *
* Path:{philabs|csun|psivax}!ttidca!bellas  or  bellas@ttidca.tti.com      *
-- 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|                "Never trust a man who doesn't play golf."                 |
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
...........................griff@ole.cdac.com................................



 


From london@calypso Wed Jan 26 17:06:58 1994
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 16:32:11 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: ptlumber.warning.new

Article 14611 of rec.gardens:
Path: samba!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!uwm.edu!caen!destroyer!iunet!hal9k!jim.mcnelly
From: jim.mcnelly@hal9k.ann-arbor.mi.us (Jim Mcnelly) 
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: raised beds
Message-ID: <1878.104.uupcb@hal9k.ann-arbor.mi.us>
Date: 16 Mar 93 16:33:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: HAL 9000 BBS, W-NET HQ, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Reply-To: jim.mcnelly@hal9k.ann-arbor.mi.us (Jim Mcnelly) 
Lines: 38

To: daoffer@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Debora Offer)
From: jim.mcnelly@hal9k.ann-arbor.mi.us
Date: 15 Mar 93 12:38:40

DO>rd Lauria) writes:
DO>        >I am planning to build some raised beds for my garden.  It seems
DO>        >smart to use pressure treated wood to protect from rot, but it seem
DO>        >I remember seeing something awhile back that this was bad because
DO>        >the chemicals could leach into the soil and then into the plants.
DO>        >
DO>        >Is this true?  What have others done?  Not use PT wood?  Line the
DO>        >bed with plastic?

Pressure treated lumber, or Cromated Copper Arsenate, CCA contains over
3000 PPM arsenic and over 1000 PPM lead. The EPA sludge rules set the
acceptable limit for arsenic at 11 PPM and lead at 250. While it is
generally true that arsenic does not leach out of properly treated wood,
the sawdust is rarely vacuumed and disposed and it can run off into
surface water and permanently contaminate the soil. Improperly treated
wood can contain live aresenic crystals and the brochure that is
SUPPOSED to be handed out every time any CCA treated wood is sold warns
about contacting the wood with skin, as arsenic is a severe carcinogen,
notably for skin cancer. The info can be acquired from the Treated Wood
Assn at 800-241-0240. The scraps should NEVER be burned as both fumes
and ash are highly toxic. Currently, there is NO acceptable disposal
option for treated lumber, and the product does eventually decompose,
leaving its metals in the soil.

Jim the Compost Man~~~~~
---
 . SLMR 2.0 . ASCII to ASCII, DOS to DOS...
 . QNet3. . * <W-NET> * ORIGIN: GRANITE BBS * St. Cloud MN * 612-654-8372 HST
                                                                              
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+----------------------------+-------------+--------+--------------------+
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From london@calypso Wed Jan 26 17:07:21 1994
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 16:36:32 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: pt-lumber.newinfo

Article 233 of triangle.gardens:
Newsgroups: triangle.gardens
Path: samba.oit.unc.edu!concert!inxs.concert.net!taco!math.ncsu.edu!crsc
From: crsc@math.ncsu.edu (CRSC Account)
Subject: Re: Cold Frame Materials Question
Message-ID: <1993Dec14.142015.25464@ncsu.edu>
Summary: Don't use treated wood!
Sender: news@ncsu.edu (USENET News System)
Organization: North Carolina State University
References: <CHzBr7.58K@unx.sas.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1993 14:20:15 GMT
Lines: 28

In article <CHzBr7.58K@unx.sas.com> sasbaa@fang.unx.sas.com (Anne Albright) writes:
>
>        Does anybody know what the considerations are for choosing a 
>type of wood to use for a cold frame (that will be used for vegetables)?
>
>        I am interested in what preservatives can be used on the
>wood, if any, that won't cause a problem leaching into the soil or with
>fumes being absorbed by the plants. Is treated wood ok? Is it ok to
>use varnish? What can I put on untreated wood that would be ok? 
>
>        Thanks a lot.

Check out the latest copy of Organic Gardening for the most thorough discussion
I've yet seen regarding the use of pressure-treated wood for gardening. 
Although they didn't discuss alternatives in this article, (I think they did
in an article earlier in the year) I won't be using treated wood in any 
projects in my garden unless they will be completely sealed - painted or 
waterproofed.  They cite research that shows that contact with acidic
organics like compost, speeds the leaching of the chemicals into the soil.
One of the chemicals involved is arsenic; it can be absorbed by plants
and is particularly concentrated in the roots. I don't know if varnish is
ok for plants, but it probably would be a good way to seal the wood and
prevent chemical leaching. For other possible wood to use, you might consider
cedar (I think it has similar properties to redwood, which is about the
only wood used in outdoor projects in CA).

-- Lisa Becker




 

Article 11236 (123 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
ubject: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 23:15:20 GMT

I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz) writes:

> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11254 (121 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 11:52:31 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu writes:

> There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
> tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
> now forgotten.  Maybe uses F- instead of Cl-?????

"Gifblaar".  It makes fluoroacetate ion, a potent inhibitor of the
Krebs cycle.  One mouthful of this plant can kill a sheep.  A related
species makes some other fluorinated acids, also toxic.

Interestingly, another member of this genus is a nickel
hyperaccumulator.

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11287 (153 more) in rec.gardens:
From: emolinar@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Elizabeth Molinaro)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?Date: 7 Oct 92 18:29:15 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
writes:
>In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu
(Paul Dietz) writes:
>> 
>> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
>lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

        I read something about Jimsonweed.
        About a month ago, in the Wall Street Journal, page 1
        Apparently, it hyperaccumulates toxic nuclear (now THAT's
        redundant) wastes...and thrives!!!!

        Elizabeth

From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: 8 Oct 92 18:35:08 -0500

Paul Dietz (with a marvelous memory!) remembered the plant I couldn't--
the one that makes fluoroacetate when grown on soils heavy in fluorine,
and thus becomes toxic to animals.  He also remembered the common name
is "giftblaar", not "giftboom" as I had thought.

Dichapetalum is a BIG genus of 150-200 species of the tropics, particularly
Africa.  It's a member of the family Dichapetalaceae, which may be
related to the Euphorbiaceae, the poinsettia family, according to 
Willis's Dictionary.  Alas, Chiltern Seeds doesn't seem to stock it :-(
------
From:   IN%"dietz@cs.rochester.EDU"  

The genus is Dichapetalum.  The three species to which I referred
are:

        D. cymosum      Makes fluoroacetate
        D. toxicarium   Makes various omega-fluorinated fatty acids
        D. gelonioides  A nickel hyperaccumulator

D. gelonioides doesn't have unusually large amounts of fluorine in
its tissues.  I don't remember if D. toxicarium makes fluoroacetate
as well.
--------
Kay

rec.gardens #10472 
From: A.S. Chamove
Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 19:47:12 1992
Organization: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soils?

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand


1] Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 20:53:28 1992
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.
Kay

rticle 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
ubject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: 6 Oct 92 20:59:25 -0500

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Pau l Dietz) writes:
> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11249 (115 more) in rec.gardens:
From: london@SunSite.unc.edu (Larry London)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 05:06:58 GMT

Datura (Jimson Weed) and cattails are reputed to be hyperaccumulators.

Date: 12 Oct 92 00:53:28 GMT

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.
Kay

Article 471 (7 more) in bionet.plants:
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1992 15:48:56 EDT
Subject: Re: Heavy Metals and Fruit Trees

cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Clint Potter) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1992 19:09:08 GMT
Requested info:
> I am after a information on the effects of heavy metals in the soil on fruit
> trees.
> Are metals like Pb and Cd detrimental to the growth of trees like apples,
> peaches and pears?  Is there any research on tolerable concentrations of
> these elements?  Are these metals likely to migrate to the fruit?  What type
> of soil test should be done?  Is total Pb and total Cd adequate?
> Thank you for any information or references.
> Clint Potter cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu

Check a recent review article :

       W. H. O. Ernst et al., 1992.  Metal tolerance in plants.
       Acta Botanica Neerlandica 41:229-248.

If it doesn't provide you with the info you need, it may lead you to other
sources in the literature cited.

Mark Kubiske

From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT

  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of 
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted 
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King  
Lewis Publishing   1992.

Article 704 in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 09:03:23 EST
Subject: Re: Heavy metals in plants

I'm out of my field here, but I'm somewhat involved in a study here at Penn
State which might at least be interesting, if not relevant to this budding
'heavy metal' discussion.  About 100 years ago in the Eastern US, the
"cahrcoal-iron" industry was pretty big business.  Travelers through
Pennsylvania can still see the huge, stone iron furnaces in state parks and
the like.  The iron workers would fire the furnaces with charcoal which they
produced themselves from the surrounding forests.  One can walk through the
woods almost anywhere in PA and encounter numerous "charcoal hearths" -
elliptical or circular flat areas about 10 to 12 meters across with very
little or no woody vegetation.  The study was designed to try and pin down
why woody vegetation is virtually excluded from these hearths even after 100
years.  I might add that the surrounding woods were heavily logged during
this period, clearcut on 40 year rotations was common.  Needless to say the
woods are growing quite vigerously, but not the hearths.  Tissue-water
relations of test plants (my field) suggest some form of drought stress.
The soil on these hearths is up to 70% organic matter due to charcoal dust
and fragments.  Can there be some heavy metal residue that may have been
concentrated by stacking 10 cords at a time on these hearths and coaling
them?  Some hearths were used very many times over.

Mark Kubiske                < MEK104@PSUVM.PSU.EDU >
School of Forest Resources
Penn State University

Article 708 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: BOTSALT@VM.UOGUELPH.CA (david salt)
Subject: heavy metals a few points
Date: 11 Dec 92 22:14:04 GMT

Well I am pleased with the response to my plea for discussion on the topic
of heavy metals and plants.
The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potential
-ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
the vacuole. Once inside the vacuole Cd is bound to the induced peptide
phytochelatins, therebye reducing the Cd's chemical gradient across the
tonoplast and hence reducing the amount of energy required to keep pumping
Cd inside. In oats Cd is transported across the tonoplast via a Cd/H
antiport (presumably driven in vivo by tghe tonoplast H-ATPase or H-PPiase).
Transport of Cd back out across the PM may also be a possibility.
RE Datura: P. Jackson at Los Alamos has done alot of work on the
biochemistry of Cd resistence on Datura innoxia in tissue culture!
IS CADMIUM REALLY SO BAD!!!!!!
a recent article in Nature suggests not!(344, 658-660, 1990)
It would appear that Cd can substitute for Zn in Zn deficient marine diatoms!
Does this explain the slight growth stimulation physiologist have seen (but
not talked about) in Cd tolerence tests using root elongation?
What is Cd doing in the marine diatom? Is it siting in the active site of
catalase or in Zn-fingers?....Any ideas.

Finally are there any biophysicists out there how can explain to me why
crystaline CdS is an interesting semiconductor because the fission yeast
S. pombe makes particles of it when exposed to Cd (and may be also plants)
and AT&T Bell laboratories are interested (Nature 338, 596-597, 1989).

David Salt
Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca

Article 710 in bionet.plants:
From: claird@NeoSoft.com (Cameron Laird)
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 11 Dec 92 14:49:21 GMT

In article <1992Dec10.234216.8446@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> london@sunsite.unc.edu (Larry
 London) writes:
>In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> you write:
>>In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
                        .
Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
>>: heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
>>: is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
>>I worked for a while at Plymouth Polytechnic (UK) during the early 80's
>>when Lane and Martin were working on uptake of heavy metals by potatos
>>and strawberries, but I'm not sure what they published.
                        .
                        .
>Here's a thread on the subject I've saved over the past several months.
>There is additional material contained in a number of posts in
>alt.sustainable.agriculture, which I've archived. These mostly relate to
>the work of John Todd, formerly of the New Alchemy Institute.
A paper by K. C. Jones et al., *Nature*, 356, 137, 1992,
analyzes secular trends in pollution around Rothamsted
by measuring plants' incorporated burdens of different
pollutants.  The authors' principal concerns were with
organics--PCBs, hydrocarbons--but I think their biblio-
graphy touches on metal uptakes.
                        .
-- 
Cameron Laird
claird@Neosoft.com (claird%Neosoft.com@uunet.uu.net)    +1 713 267 7966
claird@litwin.com (claird%litwin.com@uunet.uu.net)      +1 713 996 8546

Article 713 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Subject: Re: Plant communication/sensing references wanted
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:23:45 GMT

In article <921212201751.MIN-LVICa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: 
:    The subject about says it all: I'm interested in references to literature
:    which explores the capabilities of the plant world with refer712

Article 712 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
ubject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:18:36 GMT

In article <921211224901.MIN-LHFCa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: [...]
: The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
: realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
:metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
: due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potentia
l
: -ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
: [...]

I did some work with benzo-18-crown-6 (a synthetic ionophore) which
demonstrated that accumulation of K+ in the vacuole of stomatal guard
cells was dependent on the permeability of the PM to K+ ions.  The
crown ether is incorporated into the membrane and forms K+ permeable
channels.

The driving force for accumulation of K+ is electrogenic proton
extrusion across the PM/tonoplast.  It seems that accumulation of Cd or
any other cation available would depend on membrane permeability rather
than active transport of the metal itself.

        Tony.
--
Dr. A.J.Travis,                       |  Tony Travis
Rowett Research Institute,            |  JANET: <ajt@uk.ac.sari.rri>
Greenburn Road, Bucksburn,            |  other: <ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk>
Aberdeen, AB2 9SB. UK.                |  phone: 0224-712751

From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk
ubject: Heavy metals
Date: 14 Dec 92 13:13:24 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620
 
 On the subject of hyperaccumulators, work in this lab is investigating the
nature of the complexes formed in these plants with organic acids, in order to
determine whether these provide a possible mechanism of tolerance for the
plant.  

  The levels of metal which these plants accumulate can be huge, Sebertia
accuminata, a tree from New Caledonia, has a latex which conatins, on a dry
weight basis, 26 % nickel.  This is the highest recorded concentration in any
living ( :-) ) organism.  

  I think that the act of hyperaccumulation is related to the site at which the
plant can be found.  We are working on Alyssum spp here, and these can be, and
are regularly grown in gardens in Europe.  We have plants which are known to be
hyperaccumulators, and as control plants we are using garden seeds bought from
--MORE--(88%)

a commercial supplier.  We think that they won't hyperaccumulate, if they do
then....

  Just some interesting info to pass on over the dinner table ( :-) )
End of article 721 (of 722)--what next? [npq] Article 723 in bionet.plants:
From: cunninsd@esvax.dnet.dupont.com

Subject: plants, metals and contaminated sites
Date: 15 Dec 92 15:55:43 GMT
Distribution: bionet

       This is my first time on this network, but I heard a
discussion of heavy metals in plants was underway, so I 
thought I'd join in. Here at DuPont we have an active 
research program in using plants toremediate contaminated 
soils. For this effort we  have borrowed a term I first heard
used by Ilya Raskin at Rutgers' and called it 
"Phytoremediation". 

        We define phytoremediation as the use of green plants to
remove, contain, or render harmless an environmental 
contaminant.  This definition applies to all plant-influenced
biological, chemical, and physical processes that aid in site
remediation. Although our particular current research 
emphasis is the remediation of lead-contaminated soils, we 
are interested in most other metals and organics as well.  
Simply described, we propose to farm hazardous waste sites, 
biomine the metal contaminants, and reclaim the metals 
through postharvest processing of the biomass. We consider 
the entire process to have multiple, but interdependent 
components. For the technology to be useful each component 
must be sound technically and economically, and must be 
acceptable from a regulatory perspective. Our efforts in 
phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils address all of 
these areas. I thought I would venture some general comments
on the area and see what reaction they brought.

        Although metal tolerant plants are relatively common, 
most do not accumulate significant quantities of metal in the
above ground biomass. Our metal-removal goals are ambitious,
paralleling removal rates of plant nutrients such as 
nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.  For plant-based 
decontamination to be sucessful, we must find, breed or 
engineer plants that absorb, translocate and tolerate these
metals. These three processes are separate, distinct and, in
some plants, mutually exclusive.(ie tolerance can be obtained
by lack of translocation etc.) We have found that 
combinations of any two processes in one plant are relatively
easy to find.  All three processes, working efficiently in a 
single plant with sufficient biomass to acheive the necessary 
metal-removal rates, will be more difficult to achieve. 

        The discovery or development of such plants might be 
assumed to be infeasible if it were not for the existence of
the hyperaccumulators that have been mentioned on this 
network. These naturally-occurring plants can be found 
growing on ore outcroppings and have spectacular metal-uptake
capacities. The sap of one tree has been mentioned previously
to have concentrations of Ni in excess of 25% dry weight. 
Alan Baker (Sheffield) lists plants with concentrations in 
excess of 1%  Cu and Co and 3% Zn, Ni, and Mn on a dry weight
basis.  Lead levels, although lower,  have been reported as 
high as 8,200 ppm in these plants. We are looking at these 
hyperaccumulators for potential remediation uses, however, 
due to their low growth habits and small biomass, they would
seem to be agronomically and climatically unsuited for 
phytoremediation of most sites. A breeding program to 
increase biomass and metals content is a long-term, crop-
development strategy that could be undertaken. Molecular 
biology, however, may offer valuable shortcuts !!! - (Check 
with your patent attorney, before you release it as this 
plant can have real and significant value)

        Parallel to our efforts with hyperaccumulators, we have
been exploring lead-contaminated sites for plants that 
accumulate lead. Our goal is to find, manipulate, and extend
the lead-uptake limits of these plants. We have collected and
analyzed many plants from Superfund, mining, and other
industrial sites in search of appropriate germplasm. Of the
plants we have analyzed to date, two plants have shown 
significant abilities to accumulate lead. These are hemp 
dogbane (Apocynum sp.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia sp.). 
Their lead accumulation abilities are considerable, but not 
consistent, however, across soils. Most metals, and lead in 
particular, have numerous forms in the soil, not all of which
are equally available for plant uptake.

        Manipulating the chemistry of the soil to maximize lead
removal requires balancing plant-nutritional requirements for
biomass production with the availiability of lead for uptake
by plants. We have found these to be often competing 
processes. Maximizing lead availability requires a lower pH 
and low solution levels of phosphate and sulfate, which 
directly impacts total plant biomass produced. The plant-
nutritional status of the soil must be continuously balanced
against the lead-availability status to maximize total lead 
removal.

        Pb occurs in all of the physicochemical forms measured
in a sequential extraction of contaminated soils, including
water-soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, 
carbonate, oxyhydroxide, organic, and other forms.  
Experiments have confirmed, however, that there are wide 
differences between soils in these Pb forms and in the 
ability of plants to pick up the metal in question.

        I would be interested in general comments on the 
approach, names of others working in the area, etc. etc..

Article 727 (2 more) in bionet.plants:
From: dr@ducvax.auburn.edu
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 06:32:56 GMT

In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Tr
avis) writes:
> In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
> : I am a "virgin" bionet user, this is my first message.
> 
> Hello, David + welcome to bionet.plants!
> 
> : Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
> : heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
> : is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
> Ok, everybody - are you interested in discussing heavy metals??

I'd be interested in such a discussion; my current interest would be
taxonomic in nature.  'Fraid I can't make any contribution to such a
discussion at this time, for convoluted reasons, best alluded to by my 
post, "Request: Recruiting/Luring Biologists to the Nets", in sci.bio 
and bionet.general.  That same post would also serve as a belated way 
to introduce myself (I did not do so at the inception of this group, 
for reasons I will style as virginal shyness).

David Roller  |    Bitnet = dr@auducvax            |  "Because we're all
Auburn Univ.  |  Internet = dr@ducvax.auburn.edu   |   in this together."

bionet.plants:
From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk
Subject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 16 Dec 92 22:51:38 GMT

 Cadmium

   In humans and animals Cd interfers with Cu and Zn metabolism.  It competes
with Zn for sites in metalloenzymes that require Zn for function.  It also
blocks sulphydral groups.  

   Interestingly, on the point of Cd competing for Zn sites most metalloenzymes
that require Zn show partial activity if Cd is substituted back in.  Mn, Ni and
Co, can also achieve this effect, with Co being the least disruptive.  

  So my guess is that with Zn deficiency, Cd can reactivate the
Zn-metalloenzymes, and Co would work even better!!!
 
 Kev

Newsgroups: bionet.plants,alt.sustainable.agriculture
From: london@sunSITE.unc.edu (Larry London)
Summary: 260 plants tested for purifiying ability
Keywords: Kathe Seidel of Max Planck Institute
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 07:30:06 GMT

Regarding hyperaccumulators, bioremediation, etc.:

See this article:

HARROWSMITH, The Magazine of Country Life
December, 1988
Number 18
Pages 38-47

"The New Alchemist" John Todd: Transforming Waste With a Rare Mettle
By Donella Meadows

-------------------------
From text on pages 43-44:
[quoted without permission]

"The effluent takes five days to wind from one end of the greenhouse to
the other. When it reaches the far end, it is filtered by the artificial
marsh - a gravel bed out of which grows a carefully selected thicket of 
water-loving plants. The marsh plants are chosen because they have 
commercial value (watercress) or pretty blooms (marsh marigold) or known
ability to take up toxic substances (cattails, bulrushes). Organic toxins
are broken down. Heavy metals accumulate in the plants and in any compost
made from the plants. That's a problem, but heavy metals are a problem in
every kind of wastewater treatment plant."
"I learned about these plants from Kathe Seidel at the Max Planck
Institute in West Germany. She's tested 260 plants for purifying ability.
She found that some would take up heavy metals and organic solvents and
even some, like that aquatic iris over there, that exude substances from
their roots that kill pathogenic bacteria. Hardly anyone pays attention to
her work. But she gave me the confidence that we could duplicate nature's 
way of making high-quality water."

----------------------
Lawrence
london@sunsite.unc.edu

Article 735 (8 more) in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 16 Dec 92 23:25:37 GMT

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

Welcome to the group, David.

I'm glad that people are beginning to participate actively on the
bionet.plants group.  As plant biologists we have a lot to learn from
the molecular biologists experience of using the network, but we are
getting there gradually.

The essence of Usenet, for me, is the informal contact we make with
each other by posting to a group such as this.  I began the discussions
on bionet.plants by asking people to introduce themselves and describe
their area of interest.

So, tell us something about your interest in heavy metals and taxonomy?

Ok, what am I interested in . My main interest is in how plants are able
to tolerate elevated levels of heavy metals and specifically what is the
mechanism of metals tolerance in evolved metal tolerant races. I have
looked at the formation of copper-phytochelatin (gamma(EC)nG) and
metallothionein (the protein I isolated had an amino acid composition very
similar to that predicted for the plant metallothionein gene) in copper
tolerant Mimulus guttatus inresponse to 10 micro molar Cu and the synthesis
of just phytochelatins in response to Cd. Recently I have been looking at the
mechanism involved in Cd and phytochelatin transport into the vacuole where
they appear to accumulate. I have identified a Cd/H antiport activity at the
tonoplast and am now investigateing the mechanisms of phytochelatin transport.
Well in a nut shell that is what I do.

David Salt
Botany Dept.
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada  (Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca)


Fri, 18 Dec 1992 13:29:28 -0700
"Tony C. Tweedale" <es__act@SELWAY.UMT.EDU>
Re: cleaning products
To: Multiple recipients of list BIOSPH-L <BIOSPH-L@UBVM.cc.buffalo.edu>

On Thu, 17 Dec 1992, Rumen with a View wrote:

> C. Hanlon has requested info on cleaning compounds.  Perhaps someone out there
> can enlighten me as well.  There seems to be a common perception "out there"
> that commercial detergents are less environmentally friendly than old
 fashioned
> cleaners that grandma used, like borax.
>
> Most commercial soaps are primarily sodium lauryl sulfate or
> similar fatty acid salts.  Since medium chain fatty acids are easily
 metabolized
> by microbes, the primary ingredients don't strike me as being particularly
> threatening.
>
> Borax, on the other hand, is a reasonably toxic element for mammals.
> Acceptable maximum tolerable levels for domestic animals:
>
> boron        150 ppm
> selenium       2 ppm
> mercury      2-3 ppm
> strontium  2,000 ppm
> chromium   1,000 ppm
> cadmium       0.5 ppm
> manganese    400 ppm (swine)
> uranium      400 ppm (rats)
>
> These numbers are subject to other mineral interactions and species variation.
> However, I don't know of anyone who would suggest washing clothes in uranium
> salts even if it were an effective cleaner.
>
> Lyle Rode
> Nutritionist
> Agriculture Canada

a reply:

synthetic detergents were at one time composed largely of branched long
chain "fatty acids". bugs could not eat their way around the side chains
and so the detergents did not degrade (does that cause a nutrients
problem--i guess not, that's due to inputs of phosphor in the cleaning
agents?).

and what about these new citrus oil solvents that are meant to be super
effective, ie can be used to replace industrial strength solvents eg
methylene chloride, cfc's, toluene, etc. (down w. chlorine!). i understand
they are terpene molecular units that do the cleaning (ie are the reactive
molecule in the formulation). take it they are similar to old fashioned
turpentine. degradable? toxicity (chronic, acute)?

                Aquaculture information resources on ALF
                ------------------------------------------


Another document available:
AQUALIST.TXT     3695  10-23-90  Aquaculture Info Ctr Publist


===========================================================================
                   LIST OF KEY NAL PERSONNEL AND SERVICES
===========================================================================
   Aquaculture IC                  Debbie Hanfman        344-3704   AGS3091
Aquaculture Information Center

     Subject Coverage:  Culture of aquatic plants and animals in
     freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. Examples
     include:  catfish farming; oyster culture; freshwater prawn
     culture; tilapia culture; salmon ranching; and trout
     farming. Subjects related to aquaculture, such as pond
     management, cage culture, recirculating systems, diseases,
     and water quality are also covered. Staff of the Center also
     handle requests on eel culture; Spirulina farming; and
     aquatic snail and turtle cultivation, but not terrestrial
     culture. The "fisheries industry" (such as ocean fishing
     harvests) is not considered a part of the Aquaculture
     Information Center's coverage.

     Coordinator:  Deborah Hanfman, 301-344-3704

        Aquaculture Information Center
        Coordinator:   Debbie Hanfman
                       Room l09C
                       (30l) 344-3704
AQUACULTURE
-----------
Algae and Biotechnology.  Ann Townsend Young.  February 1990.  3 pp.  AIC
Series no. 1.

Aquaculture:  A Guide to Federal Government Programs.  Prepared by the Joint
Subcommittee on Aquaculture, in cooperation with the National Agricultural
Library.  November 1987.  34 pp.

Aquaculture for Youth and Youth Educators.  Eileen McVey.  July 1989.  16
pp.  (Aqua-Topic Series)

Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding:  National Research Priorities.  Prepared
by USDA Cooperative State Research Service, Office of Aquaculture.  March
1988.  Vol. I, 56 pages.  Vol. II, 61 pp.

Aquaculture In the Caribbean Basin:  A Bibliography (1970-1988).  Prepared
by Deborah T. Hanfman, Aquaculture Information Center; Steven Tibbitt,
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS);
Carol Watts, NESDIS; Dallas Alson, Caribbean Aquaculture Association.
More [Y]es,N)o,C)ont,A)bort,J)ump! y


Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture No. 71.  September 1988.  71
pp.

Aquaculture In the Northeast Pacific:  A Bibliography.  Prepared by Deborah
T. Hanfman, Aquaculture Information Center; Eileen M. McVey, Aquaculture
Information Center; Steven J. Tibbitt, National Environmental Satellite,
Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); Marilyn Quin, Coastal Oregon Marine
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center
Library, Newport, Oregon 97365; Carol Watts, NESDIS.  Bibliographies and
Literature of Agriculture No. 98.  October 1989.

Culture of Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass.  Eileen McVey.  April 1990.  28
pp.  (Aqua-Topics Series)

Eels.  Ann Townsend Young.  April 1990.  8 pp.  AIC Series no. 5.

Paddlefish.  Deborah T. Hanfman.  March 1990.  5 pp.  AIC Series no. 2.
The Potentials of Aquaculture:  An Overview and Bibliography.  Prepared by
Deborah T. Hanfman, Aquaculture Information Center; Steven Tibbitt, National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); and Carol
Watts (NESDIS).  October 1989.  Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture
No. 90. 73 pp.
Practical Aquaculture Literature II:  A Bibliography.  Eileen M. McVey,
Deborah T. Hanfman, Mona F. Smith, and Ann Townsend Young.  June 1989.
Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture No. 75.  175 pp.
Raising Snails.  Sheldon Cheney.  SRB 88-04.  March 1988.  16 pp.
Seafood Safety and Standards.  Eileen M. McVey.  September 1989.  19 pp.
(Aqua-Topic Series)
Sturgeons.  Ann Townsend Young.  April 1990.  10 pp.  AIC Series no. 4.
Watercress.  Ann Townsend Young.  April 1990.  6 pp.  AIC Series no. 3.


===========================================================================
                             INFORMATION ALERTS
 Recent items of public interest published as Information Alerts by NAL
===========================================================================
IA89-08.TXT   REGIS:  ... African Aquaculture                    4/21/89
IA89-12.TXT   NATDP Announces Aquaculture Compact Disk           6/21/89
IA89-21.TXT   New Aquaculture Bibliography Available             8/15/89


Another document available:
NAL Publ. "Potentials of Aquaculture"......................90-05 IA90-05.TXT


AQUACULTURE
     Deborah Hanfman, a Technical Information Specialist at NAL,
selected 62 key  U.S. Government publications for this database.
They include books, technical reports, bibliographies, leaflets,
bulletins and journal articles.  These publications are not
copyrighted and may be downloaded or printed for personal use.
Software used: Textware.
          This database was created as part of an experimental,
pilot project by the National Agricultural Library.  Copies are not
available.  The database may be searched at the D.C. Reference
Center and in the main library, Beltsville, MD.  Technical
questions about the database may be addressed to Deborah Hanfman
(301)344-3558, or Judith Zidar (301)344-3818, USDA, National
Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Beltsville, MD 20705.

Another file available for download:
LAQUADV.ZIP     59680  06-30-88  Louisiana Aquaculture Expert Advisory

Re: 1/3 Aquaculture and the FDA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Life on a Fish Farm: Food Safety a Priority
                           by Beverly Corey, D.V.M.

In bold yellow letters the supermarket ad proclaims, "Save on Catch of the
Day." Beneath the message is a fisherman's oversized dip-net teeming with
thick sliced lemons, red snapper, trout, mussels, a red onion, succulent
shrimp, a sprig of parsley, and a luscious lobster. The picture creates an
intense hunger for seafood. It also commands a closer look.

The ad's fine print lists the usual information: the price of the product,
its common or usual name, whether it is fresh or frozen, and its place of
origin. But a few products are identified with a term that implies an
additional distinction--"farm-raised." This means it's a product of
aquaculture.

What's Aquaculture?

Aquaculture means "water culture" or, more exactly, farming in water. Simply
explained, it involves the intensive production of fish and shellfish for
human food, plants such as seaweed, and even bait fish and fish for aquaria,
in a closely managed habitat.

The aquaculture industry has been described as "fragile" because it's still
young, yet "on the cutting edge of science" because of its use of technology.
Both descriptions are appropriate for an industry that has experienced
explosive growth in the last 20 years, but is still immature.

Aquaculture is considered by many to be the aquatic counterpart of
agriculture, with water substituting for land. But aquaculture is more akin
to animal husbandry, the science of animal breeding, than agriculture in
general.

Farm-raised fish mature in areas called rearing units or rearing areas either
offshore or onshore. Ponds, large circular tanks, and raceways--rectangular
concrete enclosures that make use of flowing water--are common onshore
rearing units for fin fish. Coastal lakes and estuaries can be common sites
for offshore systems raising fish and crustaceans in cages or net-pens.
Shellfish may be held in floating baskets or suspended on ropes hanging from
rafts.

The aquaculturist takes species of aquatic plants and animals naturally grown
in nature's waterways or in the "wild" and reproduces them in a habitat where
the operative word is "control."

The farmer can monitor and control every aspect of the fish's
environment--from the quality of pond water to the specially formulated fish
diet. Fish farmers believe that it's the element of control that makes a
farm-raised fish a better-quality product because it's easier to regulate and
guarantee its wholesomeness.

Fish farmers rely on good management and a host of products to prevent health
problems. They use chemicals as disinfectants and to kill bacteria;
herbicides to prevent the overgrowth of vegetation in ponds; vaccines to
fight certain diseases; and drugs--usually combined in the feed--to treat
diseases and parasites.

The supervision of this new industry is shared by several federal agencies,
including the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS), and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with state and
local authorities. Their common goal is to ensure the safety and
wholesomeness of aquaculture products.

USDA has the overall responsibility for promoting the development of
aquaculture as an industry. FWS provides developmental research and advice to
fish farmers. EPA safeguards the environment and municipal water systems by
regulating the discharge of water from aquaculture facilities and registering
the chemicals used as pesticides and herbicides. NOAA, for a fee, provides an
inspection service that guarantees fish are packed under federal inspection.

FDA works with the individual states to ensure the safety of seafood
products, especially molluscan shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels.
It also approves the drugs and feed additives used in aquaculture; monitors
the manufacturing, distribution and use of fish drugs; provides technical
assistance and training to the states; conducts research; and provides the
necessary oversight to ensure that fish food products are safe, wholesome and
properly labeled.

FDA's recently created Office of Seafood--in its Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition--is the focal point for much of the agency's food fish
programs. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine works closely with the Office
of Seafood.

There are five major components to any fish culture operation: fish, water,
container or pond, nutrition, and management practices. Each component plays
a significant role in the farming of a safe and wholesome food. A look at the
actual process provides an understanding of the term "farm-raised."

Raising Catfish

Catfish farming makes up 50 percent of the U.S. aquaculture industry and
typifies aquaculture in action.

The life of a farm-raised catfish begins with the mating of genetically bred
broodstock. Broodstock are sexually mature fish used solely for reproduction.
They are so important that some farmers specialize in their production.

Re: 2/3 Aquaculture and the FDA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Typically, once the eggs are laid and fertilized, they are placed in
controlled hatching tanks with oxygenated water of suitable temperature and
quality. The eggs hatch in seven to eight days, and 18 days after hatching
the young catfish--"fry," as they are called--are strong enough to be
transferred to outdoor ponds to mature.

The pond size may vary from 5 to 20 acres, is 4 to 5 feet deep, and is
usually fed by a good supply of well water. Catfish fry, which are less than
1 inch long at this point, are stocked at densities ranging from 70,000 per
acre to upwards of 200,000 per acre, as recommended by hatchery biologists.

Once fish enter the pond, their growth and survival will wholly depend upon
the quality of that environment. Everything the fish comes into contact with
has the potential of becoming a part of the edible flesh of that organism and
can affect its life. If the water or food contains contaminants, they may end
up in the fish. If improper drugs are used to treat a disease, residues of
those drugs may also become a part of the fish. If too many aquatic plants
are present, they will compete with the fish for oxygen. Sound management is
essential to keep the fish growing.

So, from the time of stocking to the time of harvest, the farmer is busy
controlling the aquaculture system.

First, every attention is given to the quality of the commercially prepared
dry pellet diet. It must be high in protein (30 to 40 percent, depending upon
the stage of growth), made of soybeans, corn, wheat, and fishmeal, and
contain a balance of essential vitamins and minerals in accordance with
recommendations by the National Research Council and fish nutritionists.

Under FDA requirements, the mill that produces the feed guarantees that
ingredients are present at the levels declared on the feed label and that
feeds containing medications meet drug level specifications.

Prior to pelleting, the mill also analyzes each ingredient to guarantee the
absence of toxicants or contaminants. Feeds contaminated with
aflatoxins--toxins that occur in moldy feed ingredients--can cause fish
deformities and even kill the fish. FDA inspectors routinely examine the
mills' feed test results and evaluate their good manufacturing practices.

A balanced diet of floating pellets is mechanically scattered on the fish
pond's surface once or twice daily. Fish gourmets credit the pellet for the
catfish's distinctive flavor, which they say they would recognize
blindfolded. Others say the taste comes from the sweet well water in which
the catfish grow. This, too, is managed by the farmer.

Even before the fish go into the pond, water quality and location are
concerns. The farmers make sure the pond's soil is free of pesticides and not
contaminated. Then they secure an abundant source of clean water. Most
catfish farmers use well water because of its desirable chemical makeup and
lack of contaminants.

The water quality must be constantly checked for optimum growth requirements:
proper temperature, the right amount of oxygen, the appropriate water
chemistry, and just the right balance of aquatic plants and weeds.

To operate, the farmer must meet state and local requirements on water usage
and discharge, as well as the appropriate EPA water permits. Only
FDA-approved drugs may be used, with strict adherence to directions for
use--particularly directions that tell when the drug must be stopped or
"withdrawn" to prevent residues in the fish at the time of harvest.

FDA is alert to the potential misuse of drugs and chemicals, including the
use of unapproved drugs or chemicals. The agency has approved only five
chemicals--including three antibiotics--for use in combating diseases caused
by bacteria in the aquaculture environment. The fish-farming industry
maintains that this is not enough, especially with resistant strains of
bacteria developing to approved antibiotics.

FDA supports research to obtain data on the safe use of certain drugs and is
encouraging drug manufacturers to develop additional therapies for approval.
At the same time, they have developed an enforcement strategy directed
towards those who violate the law by selling or using drugs unapproved for
use in food fish.

To learn the extent of drug use in aquaculture, FDA's Center for Veterinary
Medicine, working with field investigators, recently completed a survey of
catfish, crayfish, and trout producers. The center and the Office of Seafood
are now developing additional analytical methods to test fisheries' products
for drug residues. The center is focusing on illegal residues of drugs from
off-label use: drugs approved in species other than fish that might be used
in fish. The Office of Seafood is focusing on drug residues that may be in
imported seafood and has increased sampling of aquaculture products--both
domestic and imported--for pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Under the best conditions, 18 to 24 months after hatching, the catfish reach
a market weight size of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds. They are transferred from the
pond to water-laden, oxygen-treated tank trucks for live shipment to the
processing plant.

Once the fish reach the processing plant, the responsibility for quality
control shifts to the processor, who must comply with FDA's good
manufacturing practice regulations and the provisions of the Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act. FDA inspectors routinely visit the plant to assess its
compliance with quality control guidelines to guarantee fish quality from
processing to packing and storage. If the plant does not comply with these
requirements, FDA takes appropriate regulatory action.

Re: 3/3 Aquaculture and the FDA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spokespersons for the catfish industry say they consider quality a number one
priority. "Consumers should know we are offering a product grown in a safe
and controlled environment that is routinely monitored," says Hugh Warren,
executive vice president of the Catfish Farmers of America, a trade
association. "Our [current] major thrust is to create a sense of
understanding that [with farm-grown catfish] they are getting a federally
inspected product."

For 90 percent of catfish processors, federal inspection occurs daily. Major
commercial catfish processors have voluntarily entered into a contract with
the National Marine Fisheries Service--a part of NOAA--to have their products
inspected. The catfish processors pay for this daily inspection service. NOAA
inspectors issue certificates of quality and conditions of the catfish
products. Products that pass inspection can display the seal, "Packed Under
Federal Inspection," on the label or carton.

With some modification in the breeding requirements of each species, similar
methods are used to produce a host of other fin fish and shellfish, with
federal and state authorities similarly involved in making sure they're safe
to eat. As aquaculture becomes more sophisticated, so do the monitoring tools
of government regulators. Their goals, however, remain the same: to keep up
with the industry, provide assistance where they can, and enhance the safety
of all seafood, including the products of aquaculture.

Beverly Corey is a veterinarian with FDA's speechwriting staff.

A World Phenomenon

Aquaculture worldwide is sophisticated and growing. From a global
perspective, China and Japan are still the world leaders whose combined
products exceed an annual value of $12 billion. But, they have been at it a
great many years longer than anyone else.

As the fifth leading producer of aquaculture by dollar value, the United
States is making great strides.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S.
economy--increasing more than 15 percent per year since 1980. From modest
beginnings, the farm value for U.S.-produced fish and other aquaculture
projects has risen in 1991 to $750.2 million and is estimated at 543,770
metric tons, or 11,990,128 pounds.

The boom in fish farming has been brought about by consumer demand for more
fish and a lack of natural supplies. Statistics show that virtually every
species of fin fish harvested from U.S. marine waters is now fished at levels
above its natural capacity to replace itself.

In an age where Americans increasingly search for nutritious but low-fat
foods, fish can be an important part of the diet.

According to the National Fisheries Institute, a trade association based in
Washington, D.C., Americans now consume 22 percent more fish than they did a
decade ago. Analysts believe that the level will continue to increase from
the current rate of 15.5 pounds per person to 20 pounds per person by the
beginning of the next century.

Aquaculture provides a way to supplement natural stocks and to potentially
provide a steady, year-round supply that processors and retailers can depend
on.

As one might expect, the products of aquaculture include the ordinary and the
exotic, and while not all species are farmed in the United States, our
gourmet palates encourage the import of items not fished in our waters.

For example, a specialty food shop may stock such items as salmon raised in
Chile or Norway, dried seaweed from Southeast Asia, eel from Taiwan, and
oysters from Korea--all farm-raised!

Not to worry. FDA inspects imports before they enter the country, usually at
the port of entry. In 1991, FDA conducted 3,541 seafood inspections and
another 4,094 wharf inspections of seafood producers and products. Import
sample collections numbered 3,033.

In special cases, there are memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with foreign
governments that allow FDA to inspect the harvesting areas and processing
plants in the country of origin.

FDA currently has active agreements for molluscan shellfish from Korea,
Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Chile. FDA also has MOUs with
Iceland, England and Japan. However, these countries are not exporting to the
United States at this time.

Among the 100 or so aquaculture products cultured in the United States are
aquatic plants, eels, abalone, lobsters, carp, tilapia, alligator, trout,
hybrid striped bass, crabs, and a variety of mollusks. But four species
account for 80 percent of the total volume of all domestic aquaculture
products: catfish, crayfish, trout, and salmon.

The latest industry statistics list catfish, trout, salmon, shrimp, oysters,
and crayfish as the consumers' choice of domestic aquaculture products. In
terms of volume, catfish, crayfish and salmon are the industry leaders, while
catfish and trout lead in monetary value. --B.C.


Re: Aquaculture (mention of biodynamics and alternative agriculture)
-------------------------------------
Article 2336 (8 more) in misc.rural:
From: Robert Frederick Enenkel
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 16 Jan 92 15:33:27 GMT

Aquaculture Magazine is a good source of advertisements from U.S. equipment
suppliers.  They have a reader response card you can send in for information
from any of their advertisers.  It costs $21 / year for 6 issues sent to
Canada (less I think for the U.S.).  There is also a yearly buyer's guide
for $15.  You can order using a credit card by calling 704-254-7334.

Also call Argent at 1-800-426-6258 and ask for their free catalogue and
their book catalogue.  They have aquaculture chemicals and equipment, and
an extensive selection of books.

Try cross-posting your request to both rec.aquaria and alt.aquaria.
There are several people in those groups who practice small-scale
commercial aquaculture, or have in the past.  In the mean time I will
look for some names of specific people to contact by e-mail.

Robert Enenkel

Article 2337 (7 more) in misc.rural:
From: A.S.Chamove
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 17 Jan 92 00:28:12 GMT

Best book I have found on aquaculture is

Huet, Marcel. Textbook of Fish Culture: Breeding and Cultivation
of Fish, Eyre & Spottiswoode Ltd at Thanet Press, Margate, UK
1971, ISBN  o/85238/020/8

Has special sections on carp, pike, trout, perch, catfish, eels.
And sections of building dams, feeding, and the usual.

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand

Article 2346 (6 more) in misc.rural:
From: Ricardo J Salvador
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 18 Jan 92 18:22:23 GMT

Mike Campbell is a graduate student in the Agricultural Education & Studies
department here.  He has experience and a great interest in aquaculture,
biodynamics and alternative agriculture.  He is currently working on
developing a curriculum in aquaculture under a fairly sizeable grant
received by his department.  He is not on the net, but if you wish to
contact him, call the AgEdS main office here and ask for him: 515-294-5904.

Ricardo Salvador      | Internet:   rjsalvad@IASTATE.EDU | "Thou art a little
1126 Agronomy Hall    | BITNET:     a1.rjs@ISUMVS        | soul bearing about
Iowa State University | CompuServe: 71570,212            | a corpse."
Ames, IA 50011-1010   | GEnie:      R.Salvador           | -Marcus  Aurelius-

Article 2347 (5 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bill Spikes
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 17 Jan 92 17:32:54 GMT

Along these lines, does anyone know of anyone specifically growin'
abalones? The Dept of Fish & Game either doesn't plant enough or the
sea otters are getting too frisky.

Bill

Article 2423 (20 more) in misc.rural:
From: John Long
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 29 Jan 92 19:55:59 GMT

>Along these lines, does anyone know of anyone specifically growin'
>abalones? The Dept of Fish & Game either doesn't plant enough or the
>sea otters are getting too frisky.

There is a research project in Kona looking at the possibility of generating
power from the difference in temperature between surface and deep sea water,
known as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). As a sideline in the project,
the used cold water is piped to aquaculture experiments at the site.

The aquaculture experiments have been successful enough to become commercial,
one of them is even doing very well on the stock market (that's the most
important thing, after all!  ;^)

Abalone are grown, as are 'Maine' lobsters, salmon have been spawned, and
have returned and been harvested, edible seaweeds, and others.

Cold water from the deep has many advantages over surface water, which I
can't enumerate. All in all, the aquaculture experiments have been extremely
promising.

-LongJohn

3767
Article 3767 (14 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 15 Oct 92 03:13:01 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)

There has been a great deal of intensive fish farming going on
in parts of Asia for at least centuries so they have developed
a number of efficient systems.  Generally the carp species are
best suited since they can thrive on a variety of feeds many of
which can be produced in a farm situation as a byproduct.
The tilapia species in particular are well suited to raising
in a small high production pond although certain requisites in-
clude maintaining a fairly warm pond temp. (65 to 85 deg F),
some aeration of the water, and certain companion plants.
Experiments were done for several years at the New Alchemy
Institute in Massachusetts, installing the ponds inside a
greenhouse for warmth through the seasons and using plexiglass
tanks to let sunlight in from the sides although this is not
necessary.  The earthworms would certainly be a feed for the
fish but tilapia surprisingly tend to do better if the diet is
lower in protein, so other feeds could be added.  Tilapia are
a bit like pigs;  they'll eat almost anything so kitchen scraps
or cuttings from a veg garden are also useful.
At the risk of getting a bit too graphic: tilapia can thrive on
manure alone as a feed, although I cannot remember which manure
is most suitable for this, I think pig manure is used in
Malaysia and works quite well.

Article 3954 (30 more) in misc.rural:
From: bill@chaos.cs.umn.edu (Hari Seldon...psychohistorian)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Organization: University of Minnesota
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1992 21:44:33 GMT

In <1binjtINN9jg@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu
(Mike E. Romano) writes:

>The tilapia species in particular are well suited to raising

i do believe that this particular species is *not* wanted in
this particular state by the local natural resources folks.
i think it had something to do with their tendancy to take over.
so you might want to verify if any species you want are allowed
in your state. tilapia will also live quite well in a ditch
(if the information generated by the local d.n.r. is true)

bill pociengel
Article 3958 (29 more) in misc.rural
From: Mark Crispin

There is a problem with Asian style fish ponds that may make you think twice
about whether or not you really want one.  They're natural incubators for new
strains of influenza.

It goes like this; it is pretty common to keep both ducks and pigs at a fish
pond.  The pigs eat, among other things, duck manure; and both ducks and pigs
are protein sources for humans.  So far so good.

Unfortunately, as a result of eating the duck manure the pigs are exposed to
avian influenza.  Apparently, through some not-yet-completely understood
processes, the avian influenza and swine influenza viruses combine or mutate
inside the pig and become a new strain.  Humans can't get avian influenza but
they can get swine influenza.

The massive expansion in the number of fish ponds in Asia under UN funding is
postulated as a probable cause of the great number of new strains of influenza
which have emerged in Asia.

I would suggest that if you do have a fish pond, it would be prudent not to
permit your pigs to eat avian manure.  This would hopefully break the cycle.

As I implied, this process hasn't been proven yet, but it's the most plausible
explanation offered to date for the observations.  While we're spending
billions of dollars in the name of prudence with `global warming' (which
remains unproven), it seems reasonable to take a few less costly steps to
prevent your fish pond from being a potential source of a new strain of flu.

Article 3961 (28 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 16 Oct 1992 03:04:11

To Dean Nelson:  your original posting asked about the use of
earthworms which are thriving on the rabbit manure on your
farm.
I wrote a reply concerning some aspects of the fish pond
system and the tilapia fish in particular.
Since you do not have pigs, then the mention of pig manure
should not be as specific advice, only that this particular
fish is extremely hardy.
Several postings on this thread have advised caution in these
areas.
Let's go back to the original, then.  A small farm with various
possibilities of using byproducts in an efficient manner.
This particular subject has intrigued me for several years.
Much literature is written on farming for a profit, looking
for the right crop and raising it for the highest production,
essentially for an external market.
I am much more interested in how =well= say a family of four
can feed itself on a small piece of land, say 5 acres.
There are books and studies in this area, especially for
efficient vegetable production.
But beyond that, for such a small land area, for meat eaters
(such as myself),  how efficient can a system be designed for
the smaller livestock, i.e. poultry, rabbits, etc.?
For example, could certain insects be bred specifically for
feed for one of these (and let's include a fish pond too)?
There is an insect food newsletter from a university back
east but I do not have the name handy.
The earthworms are close, then, to this idea.  What would
be the most efficient way to use them for food production
on a small homestead?
I think much more research should be done in this area.
As for the fish pond, a bass pond or some other fish may
be more useful for your location.
However, tilapia being a  tasty and easy to grow fish and
also often grown organically so that a higher price can be
had, is a fast growing fish industry, although it has been
slow to catch on in the U.S.
A few refs:

     The dome as nursery and breeding pool for tilapia.
    R. Zweig   New Alchemy Institute  1980

    Summary of fish culture techniques in solar algae ponds.
   R. Zweig, Wolfe J. et al   New Alchemy Institute  1980

   Tilapia Culture:  1979-1990  Quick Biblio service USDA
    Beltsville MD    March 1991

Article 3977 (23 more) in misc.rural:
From: enenkel@cs.toronto.edu (Robert Frederick Enenkel)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Summary: book source
Date: 19 Oct 92 15:13:15 GMT

I've lost the original posting, but I suggest calling Argent Aquaculture
Supplies at 1-800-663-2871 (Canada) or 1-800-426-6258 (USA) and ask for
their book catalogue.  While you're at it, ask for their aquaculture
products catalogue too.  They'll send you both free.  They have a large
selection of useful aquaculture books.  (Some of their book prices are a bit
high, so after finding the books you want from their descriptions, you might
want to check with a local bookstore to see what their special-order price
would be.  Sometimes it is significantly less.)

While I'm at it, let me put in a plug for Carp.  Common Carp are the *best
tasting* and *best looking* fish.  They are also friendly and will stick
their big leathery tubular mouths right out of the water and take bread,
say, right out of your hand.  So there - I've said it.  I raise carp
in my basement and eat them, and boy are they good.  I've even roasted one
in my fireplace.  How's that for wild crap (carp?)

Now I just have to figure out how to get them to spawn.  Then I'll be
<<self-sufficient>> and can kiss the rest of the world good-bye :-) :-)

Robert Enenkel

Article 3981 (35 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 08:06:26 GMT


In reference to Robert Enenkel's posting of growing carp in
his home.
If he has the time, it would be very interesting to find out
a little more:
What kind of lighting is used, any plants.
What is fed them, the temperature range where they are kept.
Is this a Canadian traditional custom, raising carp in the
basement?
Seriously, if you've read some of my previous posting you
would know that I am seriously interested in small scale
fish raising such as you have mentioned.
Any info would be appreciated.
mike romano

Article 3982 (34 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT


  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King
Lewis Publishing   1992.

Article 3985 (32 more) in misc.rural:
From: enenkel@cs.toronto.edu (Robert Frederick Enenkel)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Summary: Carping about Carp
Date: 20 Oct 92 15:19:51 GMT

>My step-father had a good way of preparing carp.  Take one carp, nail it
>to a board.  Build a nice smokey fire and slowly rotate the carp for several
>hours.  Then take the carp off......... and eat the board.  ;>

Actually, I forgot to mention the one bad thing about carp:  the bones!
They have the strength of piano wire and are quite dangerous, as well as
easy, to get stuck in your throat if you're not careful.  It helps to get
a large carp, at least 12 pounds, as small ones are functionally inedible
due to the large number of Y-bones.     Robert Enenkel

Article 3998 (39 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bob Kyweriga <bobk2@cfsmo.honeywell.com>
Subject: Aquaculture
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1992 15:10:49 GMT

: I am interested in starting up a small tank or pond to raise some fish.
: Does anyone know a good source of information?

        A good introduction to aquaculture is

        The Freshwater Aquaculture Book
         - A Handbook for Small Scale Fish Culture
            in North America
        William McLarney
        ISBN 0-88179-018-4

        This is still in print - and if you just want to
        look at this, your library can probably get it
        through a interlibrary loan.


        A guide to small tank culture is

        Home Aquaculture
        - A Guide to Backyard Fish Farming
        Steven D. VanGorden
        Douglas J. Strange
        Rodale Press
        ISBN 0-87857-472-7

        Maybe available from Rodale Press;
        otherwise maybe available from

        Steven Van Gorden
        PO Box 109
        Breinigville  PA  18031

        Who also has available a bunch of information
        sheets on a variety of issues.  Also publishes
        a quarterly newsletter that you probably wouldn't

Article 4010 (44 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bob Kyweriga <bobk2@cfsmo.honeywell.com>
Subject: Aquaculture
To: misc.rural
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1992 15:57:48 GMT


        I've been informed that some people are having
        difficulty in reaching the list server for AQUA-L.

        If you cannot reach

        LISTSERV%VM.UoGuelph.CA@VM1.NoDak.EDU

        you might try

        LISTSERV@vm.uoguelph.ca



Article 4010 (44 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bob Kyweriga <bobk2@cfsmo.honeywell.com>


Subject: Aquaculture
To: misc.rural
Message-ID: <9210221557.AA19563@pserv.CFSMO.Honeywell.COM>
Posted-Date: Thu, 22 Oct 92 10: 57:48 CDT
Mailer: Elm [revision: 66.25]
Sender: daemon@src.honeywell.com
Organization: Honeywell Systems & Research Center
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1992 15:57:48 GMT
Received-Date: Thu, 22 Oct 92 10: 57:39 CDT
Lines: 14


        I've been informed that some people are having
        difficulty in reaching the list server for AQUA-L.

        If you cannot reach

        LISTSERV%VM.UoGuelph.CA@VM1.NoDak.EDU

        you might try

--MORE--(96%)

        LISTSERV@vm.uoguelph.ca



End of article 4010 (of 4016)--what next? [npq] 
                Aquaculture information resources on ALF
                ------------------------------------------


Another document available:
AQUALIST.TXT     3695  10-23-90  Aquaculture Info Ctr Publist


===========================================================================
                   LIST OF KEY NAL PERSONNEL AND SERVICES
===========================================================================
   Aquaculture IC                  Debbie Hanfman        344-3704   AGS3091
Aquaculture Information Center

     Subject Coverage:  Culture of aquatic plants and animals in
     freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. Examples
     include:  catfish farming; oyster culture; freshwater prawn
     culture; tilapia culture; salmon ranching; and trout
     farming. Subjects related to aquaculture, such as pond
     management, cage culture, recirculating systems, diseases,
     and water quality are also covered. Staff of the Center also
     handle requests on eel culture; Spirulina farming; and
     aquatic snail and turtle cultivation, but not terrestrial
     culture. The "fisheries industry" (such as ocean fishing
     harvests) is not considered a part of the Aquaculture
     Information Center's coverage.

     Coordinator:  Deborah Hanfman, 301-344-3704

        Aquaculture Information Center
        Coordinator:   Debbie Hanfman
                       Room l09C
                       (30l) 344-3704
AQUACULTURE
-----------
Algae and Biotechnology.  Ann Townsend Young.  February 1990.  3 pp.  AIC
Series no. 1.

Aquaculture:  A Guide to Federal Government Programs.  Prepared by the Joint
Subcommittee on Aquaculture, in cooperation with the National Agricultural
Library.  November 1987.  34 pp.

Aquaculture for Youth and Youth Educators.  Eileen McVey.  July 1989.  16
pp.  (Aqua-Topic Series)

Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding:  National Research Priorities.  Prepared
by USDA Cooperative State Research Service, Office of Aquaculture.  March
1988.  Vol. I, 56 pages.  Vol. II, 61 pp.

Aquaculture In the Caribbean Basin:  A Bibliography (1970-1988).  Prepared
by Deborah T. Hanfman, Aquaculture Information Center; Steven Tibbitt,
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS);
Carol Watts, NESDIS; Dallas Alson, Caribbean Aquaculture Association.
More [Y]es,N)o,C)ont,A)bort,J)ump! y


Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture No. 71.  September 1988.  71
pp.

Aquaculture In the Northeast Pacific:  A Bibliography.  Prepared by Deborah
T. Hanfman, Aquaculture Information Center; Eileen M. McVey, Aquaculture
Information Center; Steven J. Tibbitt, National Environmental Satellite,
Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); Marilyn Quin, Coastal Oregon Marine
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center
Library, Newport, Oregon 97365; Carol Watts, NESDIS.  Bibliographies and
Literature of Agriculture No. 98.  October 1989.

Culture of Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass.  Eileen McVey.  April 1990.  28
pp.  (Aqua-Topics Series)

Eels.  Ann Townsend Young.  April 1990.  8 pp.  AIC Series no. 5.

Paddlefish.  Deborah T. Hanfman.  March 1990.  5 pp.  AIC Series no. 2.
The Potentials of Aquaculture:  An Overview and Bibliography.  Prepared by
Deborah T. Hanfman, Aquaculture Information Center; Steven Tibbitt, National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); and Carol
Watts (NESDIS).  October 1989.  Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture
No. 90. 73 pp.
Practical Aquaculture Literature II:  A Bibliography.  Eileen M. McVey,
Deborah T. Hanfman, Mona F. Smith, and Ann Townsend Young.  June 1989.
Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture No. 75.  175 pp.
Raising Snails.  Sheldon Cheney.  SRB 88-04.  March 1988.  16 pp.
Seafood Safety and Standards.  Eileen M. McVey.  September 1989.  19 pp.
(Aqua-Topic Series)
Sturgeons.  Ann Townsend Young.  April 1990.  10 pp.  AIC Series no. 4.
Watercress.  Ann Townsend Young.  April 1990.  6 pp.  AIC Series no. 3.


===========================================================================
                             INFORMATION ALERTS
 Recent items of public interest published as Information Alerts by NAL
===========================================================================
IA89-08.TXT   REGIS:  ... African Aquaculture                    4/21/89
IA89-12.TXT   NATDP Announces Aquaculture Compact Disk           6/21/89
IA89-21.TXT   New Aquaculture Bibliography Available             8/15/89


Another document available:
NAL Publ. "Potentials of Aquaculture"......................90-05 IA90-05.TXT


AQUACULTURE
     Deborah Hanfman, a Technical Information Specialist at NAL,
selected 62 key  U.S. Government publications for this database.
They include books, technical reports, bibliographies, leaflets,
bulletins and journal articles.  These publications are not
copyrighted and may be downloaded or printed for personal use.
Software used: Textware.
          This database was created as part of an experimental,
pilot project by the National Agricultural Library.  Copies are not
available.  The database may be searched at the D.C. Reference
Center and in the main library, Beltsville, MD.  Technical
questions about the database may be addressed to Deborah Hanfman
(301)344-3558, or Judith Zidar (301)344-3818, USDA, National
Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Beltsville, MD 20705.

Another file available for download:
LAQUADV.ZIP     59680  06-30-88  Louisiana Aquaculture Expert Advisory

Re: 1/3 Aquaculture and the FDA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Life on a Fish Farm: Food Safety a Priority
                           by Beverly Corey, D.V.M.

In bold yellow letters the supermarket ad proclaims, "Save on Catch of the
Day." Beneath the message is a fisherman's oversized dip-net teeming with
thick sliced lemons, red snapper, trout, mussels, a red onion, succulent
shrimp, a sprig of parsley, and a luscious lobster. The picture creates an
intense hunger for seafood. It also commands a closer look.

The ad's fine print lists the usual information: the price of the product,
its common or usual name, whether it is fresh or frozen, and its place of
origin. But a few products are identified with a term that implies an
additional distinction--"farm-raised." This means it's a product of
aquaculture.

What's Aquaculture?

Aquaculture means "water culture" or, more exactly, farming in water. Simply
explained, it involves the intensive production of fish and shellfish for
human food, plants such as seaweed, and even bait fish and fish for aquaria,
in a closely managed habitat.

The aquaculture industry has been described as "fragile" because it's still
young, yet "on the cutting edge of science" because of its use of technology.
Both descriptions are appropriate for an industry that has experienced
explosive growth in the last 20 years, but is still immature.

Aquaculture is considered by many to be the aquatic counterpart of
agriculture, with water substituting for land. But aquaculture is more akin
to animal husbandry, the science of animal breeding, than agriculture in
general.

Farm-raised fish mature in areas called rearing units or rearing areas either
offshore or onshore. Ponds, large circular tanks, and raceways--rectangular
concrete enclosures that make use of flowing water--are common onshore
rearing units for fin fish. Coastal lakes and estuaries can be common sites
for offshore systems raising fish and crustaceans in cages or net-pens.
Shellfish may be held in floating baskets or suspended on ropes hanging from
rafts.

The aquaculturist takes species of aquatic plants and animals naturally grown
in nature's waterways or in the "wild" and reproduces them in a habitat where
the operative word is "control."

The farmer can monitor and control every aspect of the fish's
environment--from the quality of pond water to the specially formulated fish
diet. Fish farmers believe that it's the element of control that makes a
farm-raised fish a better-quality product because it's easier to regulate and
guarantee its wholesomeness.

Fish farmers rely on good management and a host of products to prevent health
problems. They use chemicals as disinfectants and to kill bacteria;
herbicides to prevent the overgrowth of vegetation in ponds; vaccines to
fight certain diseases; and drugs--usually combined in the feed--to treat
diseases and parasites.

The supervision of this new industry is shared by several federal agencies,
including the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS), and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with state and
local authorities. Their common goal is to ensure the safety and
wholesomeness of aquaculture products.

USDA has the overall responsibility for promoting the development of
aquaculture as an industry. FWS provides developmental research and advice to
fish farmers. EPA safeguards the environment and municipal water systems by
regulating the discharge of water from aquaculture facilities and registering
the chemicals used as pesticides and herbicides. NOAA, for a fee, provides an
inspection service that guarantees fish are packed under federal inspection.

FDA works with the individual states to ensure the safety of seafood
products, especially molluscan shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels.
It also approves the drugs and feed additives used in aquaculture; monitors
the manufacturing, distribution and use of fish drugs; provides technical
assistance and training to the states; conducts research; and provides the
necessary oversight to ensure that fish food products are safe, wholesome and
properly labeled.

FDA's recently created Office of Seafood--in its Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition--is the focal point for much of the agency's food fish
programs. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine works closely with the Office
of Seafood.

There are five major components to any fish culture operation: fish, water,
container or pond, nutrition, and management practices. Each component plays
a significant role in the farming of a safe and wholesome food. A look at the
actual process provides an understanding of the term "farm-raised."

Raising Catfish

Catfish farming makes up 50 percent of the U.S. aquaculture industry and
typifies aquaculture in action.

The life of a farm-raised catfish begins with the mating of genetically bred
broodstock. Broodstock are sexually mature fish used solely for reproduction.
They are so important that some farmers specialize in their production.

Re: 2/3 Aquaculture and the FDA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Typically, once the eggs are laid and fertilized, they are placed in
controlled hatching tanks with oxygenated water of suitable temperature and
quality. The eggs hatch in seven to eight days, and 18 days after hatching
the young catfish--"fry," as they are called--are strong enough to be
transferred to outdoor ponds to mature.

The pond size may vary from 5 to 20 acres, is 4 to 5 feet deep, and is
usually fed by a good supply of well water. Catfish fry, which are less than
1 inch long at this point, are stocked at densities ranging from 70,000 per
acre to upwards of 200,000 per acre, as recommended by hatchery biologists.

Once fish enter the pond, their growth and survival will wholly depend upon
the quality of that environment. Everything the fish comes into contact with
has the potential of becoming a part of the edible flesh of that organism and
can affect its life. If the water or food contains contaminants, they may end
up in the fish. If improper drugs are used to treat a disease, residues of
those drugs may also become a part of the fish. If too many aquatic plants
are present, they will compete with the fish for oxygen. Sound management is
essential to keep the fish growing.

So, from the time of stocking to the time of harvest, the farmer is busy
controlling the aquaculture system.

First, every attention is given to the quality of the commercially prepared
dry pellet diet. It must be high in protein (30 to 40 percent, depending upon
the stage of growth), made of soybeans, corn, wheat, and fishmeal, and
contain a balance of essential vitamins and minerals in accordance with
recommendations by the National Research Council and fish nutritionists.

Under FDA requirements, the mill that produces the feed guarantees that
ingredients are present at the levels declared on the feed label and that
feeds containing medications meet drug level specifications.

Prior to pelleting, the mill also analyzes each ingredient to guarantee the
absence of toxicants or contaminants. Feeds contaminated with
aflatoxins--toxins that occur in moldy feed ingredients--can cause fish
deformities and even kill the fish. FDA inspectors routinely examine the
mills' feed test results and evaluate their good manufacturing practices.

A balanced diet of floating pellets is mechanically scattered on the fish
pond's surface once or twice daily. Fish gourmets credit the pellet for the
catfish's distinctive flavor, which they say they would recognize
blindfolded. Others say the taste comes from the sweet well water in which
the catfish grow. This, too, is managed by the farmer.

Even before the fish go into the pond, water quality and location are
concerns. The farmers make sure the pond's soil is free of pesticides and not
contaminated. Then they secure an abundant source of clean water. Most
catfish farmers use well water because of its desirable chemical makeup and
lack of contaminants.

The water quality must be constantly checked for optimum growth requirements:
proper temperature, the right amount of oxygen, the appropriate water
chemistry, and just the right balance of aquatic plants and weeds.

To operate, the farmer must meet state and local requirements on water usage
and discharge, as well as the appropriate EPA water permits. Only
FDA-approved drugs may be used, with strict adherence to directions for
use--particularly directions that tell when the drug must be stopped or
"withdrawn" to prevent residues in the fish at the time of harvest.

FDA is alert to the potential misuse of drugs and chemicals, including the
use of unapproved drugs or chemicals. The agency has approved only five
chemicals--including three antibiotics--for use in combating diseases caused
by bacteria in the aquaculture environment. The fish-farming industry
maintains that this is not enough, especially with resistant strains of
bacteria developing to approved antibiotics.

FDA supports research to obtain data on the safe use of certain drugs and is
encouraging drug manufacturers to develop additional therapies for approval.
At the same time, they have developed an enforcement strategy directed
towards those who violate the law by selling or using drugs unapproved for
use in food fish.

To learn the extent of drug use in aquaculture, FDA's Center for Veterinary
Medicine, working with field investigators, recently completed a survey of
catfish, crayfish, and trout producers. The center and the Office of Seafood
are now developing additional analytical methods to test fisheries' products
for drug residues. The center is focusing on illegal residues of drugs from
off-label use: drugs approved in species other than fish that might be used
in fish. The Office of Seafood is focusing on drug residues that may be in
imported seafood and has increased sampling of aquaculture products--both
domestic and imported--for pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Under the best conditions, 18 to 24 months after hatching, the catfish reach
a market weight size of 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds. They are transferred from the
pond to water-laden, oxygen-treated tank trucks for live shipment to the
processing plant.

Once the fish reach the processing plant, the responsibility for quality
control shifts to the processor, who must comply with FDA's good
manufacturing practice regulations and the provisions of the Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act. FDA inspectors routinely visit the plant to assess its
compliance with quality control guidelines to guarantee fish quality from
processing to packing and storage. If the plant does not comply with these
requirements, FDA takes appropriate regulatory action.

Re: 3/3 Aquaculture and the FDA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spokespersons for the catfish industry say they consider quality a number one
priority. "Consumers should know we are offering a product grown in a safe
and controlled environment that is routinely monitored," says Hugh Warren,
executive vice president of the Catfish Farmers of America, a trade
association. "Our [current] major thrust is to create a sense of
understanding that [with farm-grown catfish] they are getting a federally
inspected product."

For 90 percent of catfish processors, federal inspection occurs daily. Major
commercial catfish processors have voluntarily entered into a contract with
the National Marine Fisheries Service--a part of NOAA--to have their products
inspected. The catfish processors pay for this daily inspection service. NOAA
inspectors issue certificates of quality and conditions of the catfish
products. Products that pass inspection can display the seal, "Packed Under
Federal Inspection," on the label or carton.

With some modification in the breeding requirements of each species, similar
methods are used to produce a host of other fin fish and shellfish, with
federal and state authorities similarly involved in making sure they're safe
to eat. As aquaculture becomes more sophisticated, so do the monitoring tools
of government regulators. Their goals, however, remain the same: to keep up
with the industry, provide assistance where they can, and enhance the safety
of all seafood, including the products of aquaculture.

Beverly Corey is a veterinarian with FDA's speechwriting staff.

A World Phenomenon

Aquaculture worldwide is sophisticated and growing. From a global
perspective, China and Japan are still the world leaders whose combined
products exceed an annual value of $12 billion. But, they have been at it a
great many years longer than anyone else.

As the fifth leading producer of aquaculture by dollar value, the United
States is making great strides.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S.
economy--increasing more than 15 percent per year since 1980. From modest
beginnings, the farm value for U.S.-produced fish and other aquaculture
projects has risen in 1991 to $750.2 million and is estimated at 543,770
metric tons, or 11,990,128 pounds.

The boom in fish farming has been brought about by consumer demand for more
fish and a lack of natural supplies. Statistics show that virtually every
species of fin fish harvested from U.S. marine waters is now fished at levels
above its natural capacity to replace itself.

In an age where Americans increasingly search for nutritious but low-fat
foods, fish can be an important part of the diet.

According to the National Fisheries Institute, a trade association based in
Washington, D.C., Americans now consume 22 percent more fish than they did a
decade ago. Analysts believe that the level will continue to increase from
the current rate of 15.5 pounds per person to 20 pounds per person by the
beginning of the next century.

Aquaculture provides a way to supplement natural stocks and to potentially
provide a steady, year-round supply that processors and retailers can depend
on.

As one might expect, the products of aquaculture include the ordinary and the
exotic, and while not all species are farmed in the United States, our
gourmet palates encourage the import of items not fished in our waters.

For example, a specialty food shop may stock such items as salmon raised in
Chile or Norway, dried seaweed from Southeast Asia, eel from Taiwan, and
oysters from Korea--all farm-raised!

Not to worry. FDA inspects imports before they enter the country, usually at
the port of entry. In 1991, FDA conducted 3,541 seafood inspections and
another 4,094 wharf inspections of seafood producers and products. Import
sample collections numbered 3,033.

In special cases, there are memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with foreign
governments that allow FDA to inspect the harvesting areas and processing
plants in the country of origin.

FDA currently has active agreements for molluscan shellfish from Korea,
Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Chile. FDA also has MOUs with
Iceland, England and Japan. However, these countries are not exporting to the
United States at this time.

Among the 100 or so aquaculture products cultured in the United States are
aquatic plants, eels, abalone, lobsters, carp, tilapia, alligator, trout,
hybrid striped bass, crabs, and a variety of mollusks. But four species
account for 80 percent of the total volume of all domestic aquaculture
products: catfish, crayfish, trout, and salmon.

The latest industry statistics list catfish, trout, salmon, shrimp, oysters,
and crayfish as the consumers' choice of domestic aquaculture products. In
terms of volume, catfish, crayfish and salmon are the industry leaders, while
catfish and trout lead in monetary value. --B.C.


Re: Aquaculture (mention of biodynamics and alternative agriculture)
-------------------------------------
Article 2336 (8 more) in misc.rural:
From: Robert Frederick Enenkel
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 16 Jan 92 15:33:27 GMT

Aquaculture Magazine is a good source of advertisements from U.S. equipment
suppliers.  They have a reader response card you can send in for information
from any of their advertisers.  It costs $21 / year for 6 issues sent to
Canada (less I think for the U.S.).  There is also a yearly buyer's guide
for $15.  You can order using a credit card by calling 704-254-7334.

Also call Argent at 1-800-426-6258 and ask for their free catalogue and
their book catalogue.  They have aquaculture chemicals and equipment, and
an extensive selection of books.

Try cross-posting your request to both rec.aquaria and alt.aquaria.
There are several people in those groups who practice small-scale
commercial aquaculture, or have in the past.  In the mean time I will
look for some names of specific people to contact by e-mail.

Robert Enenkel

Article 2337 (7 more) in misc.rural:
From: A.S.Chamove
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 17 Jan 92 00:28:12 GMT

Best book I have found on aquaculture is

Huet, Marcel. Textbook of Fish Culture: Breeding and Cultivation
of Fish, Eyre & Spottiswoode Ltd at Thanet Press, Margate, UK
1971, ISBN  o/85238/020/8

Has special sections on carp, pike, trout, perch, catfish, eels.
And sections of building dams, feeding, and the usual.

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand

Article 2346 (6 more) in misc.rural:
From: Ricardo J Salvador
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 18 Jan 92 18:22:23 GMT

Mike Campbell is a graduate student in the Agricultural Education & Studies
department here.  He has experience and a great interest in aquaculture,
biodynamics and alternative agriculture.  He is currently working on
developing a curriculum in aquaculture under a fairly sizeable grant
received by his department.  He is not on the net, but if you wish to
contact him, call the AgEdS main office here and ask for him: 515-294-5904.

Ricardo Salvador      | Internet:   rjsalvad@IASTATE.EDU | "Thou art a little
1126 Agronomy Hall    | BITNET:     a1.rjs@ISUMVS        | soul bearing about
Iowa State University | CompuServe: 71570,212            | a corpse."
Ames, IA 50011-1010   | GEnie:      R.Salvador           | -Marcus  Aurelius-

Article 2347 (5 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bill Spikes
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 17 Jan 92 17:32:54 GMT

Along these lines, does anyone know of anyone specifically growin'
abalones? The Dept of Fish & Game either doesn't plant enough or the
sea otters are getting too frisky.

Bill

Article 2423 (20 more) in misc.rural:
From: John Long
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 29 Jan 92 19:55:59 GMT

>Along these lines, does anyone know of anyone specifically growin'
>abalones? The Dept of Fish & Game either doesn't plant enough or the
>sea otters are getting too frisky.

There is a research project in Kona looking at the possibility of generating
power from the difference in temperature between surface and deep sea water,
known as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). As a sideline in the project,
the used cold water is piped to aquaculture experiments at the site.

The aquaculture experiments have been successful enough to become commercial,
one of them is even doing very well on the stock market (that's the most
important thing, after all!  ;^)

Abalone are grown, as are 'Maine' lobsters, salmon have been spawned, and
have returned and been harvested, edible seaweeds, and others.

Cold water from the deep has many advantages over surface water, which I
can't enumerate. All in all, the aquaculture experiments have been extremely
promising.

-LongJohn

3767
Article 3767 (14 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 15 Oct 92 03:13:01 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)

There has been a great deal of intensive fish farming going on
in parts of Asia for at least centuries so they have developed
a number of efficient systems.  Generally the carp species are
best suited since they can thrive on a variety of feeds many of
which can be produced in a farm situation as a byproduct.
The tilapia species in particular are well suited to raising
in a small high production pond although certain requisites in-
clude maintaining a fairly warm pond temp. (65 to 85 deg F),
some aeration of the water, and certain companion plants.
Experiments were done for several years at the New Alchemy
Institute in Massachusetts, installing the ponds inside a
greenhouse for warmth through the seasons and using plexiglass
tanks to let sunlight in from the sides although this is not
necessary.  The earthworms would certainly be a feed for the
fish but tilapia surprisingly tend to do better if the diet is
lower in protein, so other feeds could be added.  Tilapia are
a bit like pigs;  they'll eat almost anything so kitchen scraps
or cuttings from a veg garden are also useful.
At the risk of getting a bit too graphic: tilapia can thrive on
manure alone as a feed, although I cannot remember which manure
is most suitable for this, I think pig manure is used in
Malaysia and works quite well.

Article 3954 (30 more) in misc.rural:
From: bill@chaos.cs.umn.edu (Hari Seldon...psychohistorian)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Organization: University of Minnesota
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1992 21:44:33 GMT

In <1binjtINN9jg@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu
(Mike E. Romano) writes:

>The tilapia species in particular are well suited to raising

i do believe that this particular species is *not* wanted in
this particular state by the local natural resources folks.
i think it had something to do with their tendancy to take over.
so you might want to verify if any species you want are allowed
in your state. tilapia will also live quite well in a ditch
(if the information generated by the local d.n.r. is true)

bill pociengel
Article 3958 (29 more) in misc.rural
From: Mark Crispin

There is a problem with Asian style fish ponds that may make you think twice
about whether or not you really want one.  They're natural incubators for new
strains of influenza.

It goes like this; it is pretty common to keep both ducks and pigs at a fish
pond.  The pigs eat, among other things, duck manure; and both ducks and pigs
are protein sources for humans.  So far so good.

Unfortunately, as a result of eating the duck manure the pigs are exposed to
avian influenza.  Apparently, through some not-yet-completely understood
processes, the avian influenza and swine influenza viruses combine or mutate
inside the pig and become a new strain.  Humans can't get avian influenza but
they can get swine influenza.

The massive expansion in the number of fish ponds in Asia under UN funding is
postulated as a probable cause of the great number of new strains of influenza
which have emerged in Asia.

I would suggest that if you do have a fish pond, it would be prudent not to
permit your pigs to eat avian manure.  This would hopefully break the cycle.

As I implied, this process hasn't been proven yet, but it's the most plausible
explanation offered to date for the observations.  While we're spending
billions of dollars in the name of prudence with `global warming' (which
remains unproven), it seems reasonable to take a few less costly steps to
prevent your fish pond from being a potential source of a new strain of flu.

Article 3961 (28 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 16 Oct 1992 03:04:11

To Dean Nelson:  your original posting asked about the use of
earthworms which are thriving on the rabbit manure on your
farm.
I wrote a reply concerning some aspects of the fish pond
system and the tilapia fish in particular.
Since you do not have pigs, then the mention of pig manure
should not be as specific advice, only that this particular
fish is extremely hardy.
Several postings on this thread have advised caution in these
areas.
Let's go back to the original, then.  A small farm with various
possibilities of using byproducts in an efficient manner.
This particular subject has intrigued me for several years.
Much literature is written on farming for a profit, looking
for the right crop and raising it for the highest production,
essentially for an external market.
I am much more interested in how =well= say a family of four
can feed itself on a small piece of land, say 5 acres.
There are books and studies in this area, especially for
efficient vegetable production.
But beyond that, for such a small land area, for meat eaters
(such as myself),  how efficient can a system be designed for
the smaller livestock, i.e. poultry, rabbits, etc.?
For example, could certain insects be bred specifically for
feed for one of these (and let's include a fish pond too)?
There is an insect food newsletter from a university back
east but I do not have the name handy.
The earthworms are close, then, to this idea.  What would
be the most efficient way to use them for food production
on a small homestead?
I think much more research should be done in this area.
As for the fish pond, a bass pond or some other fish may
be more useful for your location.
However, tilapia being a  tasty and easy to grow fish and
also often grown organically so that a higher price can be
had, is a fast growing fish industry, although it has been
slow to catch on in the U.S.
A few refs:

     The dome as nursery and breeding pool for tilapia.
    R. Zweig   New Alchemy Institute  1980

    Summary of fish culture techniques in solar algae ponds.
   R. Zweig, Wolfe J. et al   New Alchemy Institute  1980

   Tilapia Culture:  1979-1990  Quick Biblio service USDA
    Beltsville MD    March 1991

Article 3977 (23 more) in misc.rural:
From: enenkel@cs.toronto.edu (Robert Frederick Enenkel)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Summary: book source
Date: 19 Oct 92 15:13:15 GMT

I've lost the original posting, but I suggest calling Argent Aquaculture
Supplies at 1-800-663-2871 (Canada) or 1-800-426-6258 (USA) and ask for
their book catalogue.  While you're at it, ask for their aquaculture
products catalogue too.  They'll send you both free.  They have a large
selection of useful aquaculture books.  (Some of their book prices are a bit
high, so after finding the books you want from their descriptions, you might
want to check with a local bookstore to see what their special-order price
would be.  Sometimes it is significantly less.)

While I'm at it, let me put in a plug for Carp.  Common Carp are the *best
tasting* and *best looking* fish.  They are also friendly and will stick
their big leathery tubular mouths right out of the water and take bread,
say, right out of your hand.  So there - I've said it.  I raise carp
in my basement and eat them, and boy are they good.  I've even roasted one
in my fireplace.  How's that for wild crap (carp?)

Now I just have to figure out how to get them to spawn.  Then I'll be
<<self-sufficient>> and can kiss the rest of the world good-bye :-) :-)

Robert Enenkel

Article 3981 (35 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 08:06:26 GMT


In reference to Robert Enenkel's posting of growing carp in
his home.
If he has the time, it would be very interesting to find out
a little more:
What kind of lighting is used, any plants.
What is fed them, the temperature range where they are kept.
Is this a Canadian traditional custom, raising carp in the
basement?
Seriously, if you've read some of my previous posting you
would know that I am seriously interested in small scale
fish raising such as you have mentioned.
Any info would be appreciated.
mike romano

Article 3982 (34 more) in misc.rural:
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT


  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King
Lewis Publishing   1992.

Article 3985 (32 more) in misc.rural:
From: enenkel@cs.toronto.edu (Robert Frederick Enenkel)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Summary: Carping about Carp
Date: 20 Oct 92 15:19:51 GMT

>My step-father had a good way of preparing carp.  Take one carp, nail it
>to a board.  Build a nice smokey fire and slowly rotate the carp for several
>hours.  Then take the carp off......... and eat the board.  ;>

Actually, I forgot to mention the one bad thing about carp:  the bones!
They have the strength of piano wire and are quite dangerous, as well as
easy, to get stuck in your throat if you're not careful.  It helps to get
a large carp, at least 12 pounds, as small ones are functionally inedible
due to the large number of Y-bones.     Robert Enenkel

Article 3998 (39 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bob Kyweriga <bobk2@cfsmo.honeywell.com>
Subject: Aquaculture
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1992 15:10:49 GMT

: I am interested in starting up a small tank or pond to raise some fish.
: Does anyone know a good source of information?

        A good introduction to aquaculture is

        The Freshwater Aquaculture Book
         - A Handbook for Small Scale Fish Culture
            in North America
        William McLarney
        ISBN 0-88179-018-4

        This is still in print - and if you just want to
        look at this, your library can probably get it
        through a interlibrary loan.


        A guide to small tank culture is

        Home Aquaculture
        - A Guide to Backyard Fish Farming
        Steven D. VanGorden
        Douglas J. Strange
        Rodale Press
        ISBN 0-87857-472-7

        Maybe available from Rodale Press;
        otherwise maybe available from

        Steven Van Gorden
        PO Box 109
        Breinigville  PA  18031

        Who also has available a bunch of information
        sheets on a variety of issues.  Also publishes
        a quarterly newsletter that you probably wouldn't

Article 4010 (44 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bob Kyweriga <bobk2@cfsmo.honeywell.com>
Subject: Aquaculture
To: misc.rural
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1992 15:57:48 GMT


        I've been informed that some people are having
        difficulty in reaching the list server for AQUA-L.

        If you cannot reach

        LISTSERV%VM.UoGuelph.CA@VM1.NoDak.EDU

        you might try

        LISTSERV@vm.uoguelph.ca



Article 4010 (44 more) in misc.rural:
From: Bob Kyweriga <bobk2@cfsmo.honeywell.com>


Subject: Aquaculture
To: misc.rural
Message-ID: <9210221557.AA19563@pserv.CFSMO.Honeywell.COM>
Posted-Date: Thu, 22 Oct 92 10: 57:48 CDT
Mailer: Elm [revision: 66.25]
Sender: daemon@src.honeywell.com
Organization: Honeywell Systems & Research Center
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1992 15:57:48 GMT
Received-Date: Thu, 22 Oct 92 10: 57:39 CDT
Lines: 14


        I've been informed that some people are having
        difficulty in reaching the list server for AQUA-L.

        If you cannot reach

        LISTSERV%VM.UoGuelph.CA@VM1.NoDak.EDU

        you might try

--MORE--(96%)

        LISTSERV@vm.uoguelph.ca



End of article 4010 (of 4016)--what next? [npq] From PATH4@TIFTON.BITNET Tue Jan 18 15:07:20 1994
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 14:27:42 EST
From: RON GITAITIS <PATH4@TIFTON.BITNET>
Reply to: Agriculture Discussion <AGRIC-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list AGRIC-L <AGRIC-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
Subject: Bart Hall-Beyer

On Tue, 18 Jan 1994 14:06:31 -0500 Ray Dobert said:
>Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 12:12:19 -0600 (CST)
>From: Bart Hall_Beyer <barth@ncatfyv.uark.edu>
>
>
>If there is no list or group, do any of you know of researchers and
>others working in that field ?
>
>Bart Hall-Beyer     ):*
>Fayetteville, Ark.

Here are a few names to begin your quest.
I do not know how many of these people are still at the locations listed,
as I am taking them off of references that are 1-10 yrs old.

D.K. Chatterjee, J.J. Kilbane, and A.M. Chakrabarty  Univ. Illinois
                                                     Dept. of Microbiology

Frank Higson and Dennis Focht  Univ. of Calif. @Riverside  Dept of Soil and
                                                            Environm. Sci.

O.A. Ogunseitan, I.L. Delgado, Y.-L. Tsai and B.H. Olson  Univ. of Calif Irvine
                                                     Environ. Analysis & Design
                                                     Program in Social Ecology

S.-Y. Liu, Z. Zheng, R. Zhang, and J.-M. Bollag   Penn State Univ
                                                  Dept. of Agronomy
                                                  Lab of Soil Biochemistry


Martin Alexander   Dept. of Agronomy/ Lab of Soil Microbiology
                   Cornell University



Nikolaus Amrhein    Institut fur Pflanzenwissenschaften / Biochemie und
                    Physiologie der Pflanzen, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 5
                    Ch-8092 Zurich, Switzerland

S. E. Maloney     Division of Biotechnology, Public Health Laboratory Service
                  Centre for Applied Microbiology & Research
                  Porton Down / Salisbury / Wiltshire / SP4 0JG /
                  UNITED KINGDOM


Walter Mulbry and Jeffry Karns   USDA Pesticide Degradation Laboratory
                                 ARS / USDA
                                 Beltsville MD 20705

Allan Konopka    Dept. of Biological Sciences / Purdue University

From K.Canning@geog.utas.edu.au Tue Jan 18 21:32:36 1994
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 1994 11:32:35 +1000
From: Kathy Canning <K.Canning@geog.utas.edu.au>
Reply to: Agriculture Discussion <AGRIC-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list AGRIC-L <AGRIC-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
Subject: Re: Bioremediation (fwd)

>Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 12:12:19 -0600 (CST)
>From: Bart Hall_Beyer <barth@ncatfyv.uark.edu>
>To: sanet-mg@twosocks.ces.ncsu.edu
>Subject: Bioremediation
>
>Is anyone aware of a list or discussion group dealing with
>"bioremediation" of agricultural lands ?
>If there is no list or group, do any of you know of researchers and
>others working in that field

Try these contacts:
Marion Grinter &/or John Wickens at
Bio-region Computer Mapping & Research
3 Le Hunte St,
ACT 2600
Australia
ph & fx (06 282 5808;
Email biomap@peg

or try
Tania Stadler (she is away for a week)
 Tania.Stadler@geog.utas.edu.au

regards Kathy


From SUMNERME@uga.cc.uga.edu Wed Jan 19 12:55:11 1994
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 1994 08:16:54 EST
From: "Malcolm E. Sumner" <SUMNERME@uga.cc.uga.edu>
Reply to: Agriculture Discussion <AGRIC-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list AGRIC-L <AGRIC-L@uga.cc.uga.edu>
Subject: Re: Bioremediation (fwd)

Dear Dr Dobert
              Dr Domy Adriano and myself are starting a project on the bioremed
iation of steel flue dust contaminated soil (heavy metals) using a combination
of crops and soil treatments.
                             Regards
                                    Malcolm Sumner


 From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
 Subject: Greenhouse Wastewater System
 Date: 23 Nov 92 04:44:22 GMT


Greenhouse Wastewater System Operating Since 1990

Creater of Garfield comic strip Jim Davis hired John Todd of
New Alchemy Institute to build this system especially for
Davis'  Garfield cartoon products company plant called
Paws, located near Muncie Indiana but having no public
sewers to connect to.
The system purifies sewage water at the rate of 1,575 gallons
per day.  This treated water is used to grow horticultural
plants commercially within the same greenhouse system.

A variety of  fauna and flora are used to process the waste
water.  The holding tanking pumping system forms a uniform
mixture of human waste, grey water, and some kitchen waste
from the dishwasher.  No toxic chemicals are allowed in the
plant system.
The first stage pumps this waste water into two 700 gallon
clear fiberglass solar tanks which  allow solar exposure
which in turn activate biological growth.  Two types of
bacteria are introduced: a grease eating bacterium and a
nitrifying bacterium which then reproduce indefinitely.
The nitrifying bacterium converts the ammonia and algae
eat the converted nitrates, as well as the water hyacinths.
The snails eat the algae.  Hyacinths need to be harvested
often and are converted to compost.  The rest of the system
is self regulating.
Aeration is required at all stages and is accomplished by
pumping air through plastic irrigation pipes placed at the
bottom of the tanks.  Cleaned water is transferred to the
second set of tanks where snails, algae and bluegills con-
tinue to process the waste water.  After a third stage of
tanks with similar ecosystem, the waste water is pumped to
a lagoon  4 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 2.5 feet deep.
There are sodium vapor lights above the lagoon to assist
with lighting and heat.
The lagoon supports:  arrowhead, duckweed, black willow tree
seedlings, water hyacinths.  The lagoon is also stocked
with Japanese koi, tropical sucker fish (Placastema),
mosquito fish  (Gambusia), and bluegills.
>From the lagoon the water is pumped to an artificial wet-
land marsh built up from  2.5 feet of 2 inch stones,
overlaid with  6 inches of pea gravel, with a thin layer
of water covering.  This marsh area is for experimental
trials of ornamental plants to be sold commercially and
includes: elephant ear, reed  canary grass, bulrushes,
papyrus, wild aster, monkey flowers, variegated orchard
grass, Japanese blood grass, wild iris, calladium, smart-
weed, and angel trumpets.  
It takes 5 days for water to travel through the system
and it is released well within purity standards; no
chemicals  are  added to the system at any point.


-- 
Capt. Kirk: let's head for that planet, third from the sun, it
            looks promising.... |-)

From london@calypso Sun Jan 23 17:14:02 1994
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 1994 16:24:05 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: Re: [F] duck weed lowered nitrates

In article <1994Jan18.182245.9696@bme.ri.ccf.org> you write:
>I have gleaned several good bits of help from this group, 
>so here is my contribution.
>
>I have a 29 gallon freshwater tank that has been going for about 
>18 months with 1 large angel, 1 6" pl*co, 1 large gouramie,
>2 dwarf gouramies, 2 swordtails and 2 platies.  UGF with 2 powerheads,
>plastic plants, some algae controlled by pl*co and occasional glass 
>scraping.  20% water changes twice a month with gravel vacuuming.  
>Lighting: one plain old PlenPlax fluorescent. (20-40 watts?)
>
>After loosing 2 dwarf gouramies, I checked the ammonia (0) and 
>nitrates (> 150 ppm!) Started twice weekly 20% water changes and 
>reduced feeding.  This brought nitrates down to 40-50 ppm, where they 
>stayed fairly constant after several weeks.  Maintenance resumed at 
>about 3 times a month.  
>
>I wasn't very happy with this level of nitrates, so I decided I needed 
>something to eat the fertilizer.  I bought a couple of scoops of 
>duckweed, performed daily rinses and complete water changes for a week
>in a quarantine bucket with shop light, then dumped it in the aquarium.
>
>Nitrates are now constant at less than 5 ppm (detection limit of 
>Aquarium Pharmaceuticals dry tab tester.)  I harvest about half 
>the duckweed during each maintenance.  It pretty much covers the 
>surface by the next time.
>
>Simple, easy. Happy fish, happy aquarist.


Article 21922 of rec.gardens:
Path: samba.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!darwin.sura.net!spool.mu.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!athena.mit.edu!stngiam
From: stngiam@athena.mit.edu (Shih-Tung Ngiam)
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: Lead from Paint
Date: 28 Aug 1993 22:10:13 GMT
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Lines: 26
Message-ID: <STNGIAM.93Aug28181013@primavera.mit.edu>
References: <CCHH1u.9tz@cbnewst.cb.att.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: primavera.mit.edu
In-reply-to: ebf@cbnewst.cb.att.com's message of 28 Aug 93 19:05:52 GMT

In article <CCHH1u.9tz@cbnewst.cb.att.com> ebf@cbnewst.cb.att.com (eileen.b.fleming) writes:

>   Tomatoes are growing within 6 feet of the house -- 
>   is it possible for the plants to take up the lead
>   from the soil and  deposit the lead in the tomato fruits?

  Fruiting crops are generally less prone to lead uptake than root crops or
leafy vegetables.  However, if the lead level in the soil is very high,
the crops might still contain high levels of lead.  

>   Is there a way to cheaply test for lead concentration
>   in the soil or in the tomatoes themselves?

  The U Mass Agricultural Extension tests soil for lead in addition to
testing for NPK and other nutrients.  The total cost for all the tests
is $7.50 per sample.  They also analyze plant tissue for lead, at a cost
of $10.  Try calling your county Extension Agent (should be listed under
the county government, in the phone book), for details of the procedure
in your area.

Shih Tung
Chem E
Best l'il Tech School
on the Charles





From ghegyes@nalusda.gov Fri Sep  3 10:23:04 1993
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1993 09:23:44 -0400 (EDT)
From: Gabriel Hegyes <ghegyes@nalusda.gov>
To: SANET-mg <sanet-mg@ces.ncsu.edu>
Subject: Living Machines Conference (fwd)





---------- Text of forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 23:50:50 -0400 (EDT)
From: Larry London <london@sunsite.unc.edu>
To: sustag-public@twosocks.ces.ncsu.edu
Subject: Living Machines Conference

Date: Thu,  2 Sep 93 14:58:00 -0400
From: glenn.mcknight@canrem.com (Glenn Mcknight)
Message-Id: <60.869.5225.0N18307E@canrem.com>
Organization: CRS Online  (Toronto, Ontario)
Subject: Living Machines Conference

NOTICE TO MEDIA

The Coalition for a Green Economic Recovery will hold a conference October 1 to
3, l993 to discuss and promote the economic andenvironmental advantages of
living machines.  Living machines are, simplistically, engineered water
ecosystems which use natur
al elements such as sunlight, plants and animals to break down toxins,
concentrate metals and treat organic material in sewage and waste water.
Living machines can be part of clean, simple, economical and environmentally
viable solutions to a number of problems.  They offer less costly alternatives
for municipalities planning to spend billions of taxpayers; dollars on
expansions and new sewage a
nd water treatmen systems.  They do not use chlorine


















Article 11236 (123 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
ubject: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 23:15:20 GMT

I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz) writes:

> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11254 (121 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 11:52:31 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu writes:

> There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
> tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
> now forgotten.  Maybe uses F- instead of Cl-?????

"Gifblaar".  It makes fluoroacetate ion, a potent inhibitor of the
Krebs cycle.  One mouthful of this plant can kill a sheep.  A related
species makes some other fluorinated acids, also toxic.

Interestingly, another member of this genus is a nickel
hyperaccumulator.

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11287 (153 more) in rec.gardens:
From: emolinar@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Elizabeth Molinaro)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?Date: 7 Oct 92 18:29:15 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
writes:
>In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu
(Paul Dietz) writes:
>> 
>> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
>lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

        I read something about Jimsonweed.
        About a month ago, in the Wall Street Journal, page 1
        Apparently, it hyperaccumulates toxic nuclear (now THAT's
        redundant) wastes...and thrives!!!!

        Elizabeth

From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: 8 Oct 92 18:35:08 -0500

Paul Dietz (with a marvelous memory!) remembered the plant I couldn't--
the one that makes fluoroacetate when grown on soils heavy in fluorine,
and thus becomes toxic to animals.  He also remembered the common name
is "giftblaar", not "giftboom" as I had thought.

Dichapetalum is a BIG genus of 150-200 species of the tropics, particularly
Africa.  It's a member of the family Dichapetalaceae, which may be
related to the Euphorbiaceae, the poinsettia family, according to 
Willis's Dictionary.  Alas, Chiltern Seeds doesn't seem to stock it :-(
------
From:   IN%"dietz@cs.rochester.EDU"  

The genus is Dichapetalum.  The three species to which I referred
are:

        D. cymosum      Makes fluoroacetate
        D. toxicarium   Makes various omega-fluorinated fatty acids
        D. gelonioides  A nickel hyperaccumulator

D. gelonioides doesn't have unusually large amounts of fluorine in
its tissues.  I don't remember if D. toxicarium makes fluoroacetate
as well.
--------
Kay

rec.gardens #10472 
From: A.S. Chamove
Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 19:47:12 1992
Organization: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soils?

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand


1] Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 20:53:28 1992
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.
Kay

rticle 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
ubject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: 6 Oct 92 20:59:25 -0500

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Pau l Dietz) writes:
> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11249 (115 more) in rec.gardens:
From: london@SunSite.unc.edu (Larry London)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 05:06:58 GMT

Datura (Jimson Weed) and cattails are reputed to be hyperaccumulators.

Date: 12 Oct 92 00:53:28 GMT

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.
Kay

Article 471 (7 more) in bionet.plants:
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1992 15:48:56 EDT
Subject: Re: Heavy Metals and Fruit Trees

cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Clint Potter) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1992 19:09:08 GMT
Requested info:
> I am after a information on the effects of heavy metals in the soil on fruit
> trees.
> Are metals like Pb and Cd detrimental to the growth of trees like apples,
> peaches and pears?  Is there any research on tolerable concentrations of
> these elements?  Are these metals likely to migrate to the fruit?  What type
> of soil test should be done?  Is total Pb and total Cd adequate?
> Thank you for any information or references.
> Clint Potter cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu

Check a recent review article :

       W. H. O. Ernst et al., 1992.  Metal tolerance in plants.
       Acta Botanica Neerlandica 41:229-248.

If it doesn't provide you with the info you need, it may lead you to other
sources in the literature cited.

Mark Kubiske

From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT

  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of 
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted 
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King  
Lewis Publishing   1992.

Article 704 in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 09:03:23 EST
Subject: Re: Heavy metals in plants

I'm out of my field here, but I'm somewhat involved in a study here at Penn
State which might at least be interesting, if not relevant to this budding
'heavy metal' discussion.  About 100 years ago in the Eastern US, the
"cahrcoal-iron" industry was pretty big business.  Travelers through
Pennsylvania can still see the huge, stone iron furnaces in state parks and
the like.  The iron workers would fire the furnaces with charcoal which they
produced themselves from the surrounding forests.  One can walk through the
woods almost anywhere in PA and encounter numerous "charcoal hearths" -
elliptical or circular flat areas about 10 to 12 meters across with very
little or no woody vegetation.  The study was designed to try and pin down
why woody vegetation is virtually excluded from these hearths even after 100
years.  I might add that the surrounding woods were heavily logged during
this period, clearcut on 40 year rotations was common.  Needless to say the
woods are growing quite vigerously, but not the hearths.  Tissue-water
relations of test plants (my field) suggest some form of drought stress.
The soil on these hearths is up to 70% organic matter due to charcoal dust
and fragments.  Can there be some heavy metal residue that may have been
concentrated by stacking 10 cords at a time on these hearths and coaling
them?  Some hearths were used very many times over.

Mark Kubiske                < MEK104@PSUVM.PSU.EDU >
School of Forest Resources
Penn State University

Article 708 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: BOTSALT@VM.UOGUELPH.CA (david salt)
Subject: heavy metals a few points
Date: 11 Dec 92 22:14:04 GMT

Well I am pleased with the response to my plea for discussion on the topic
of heavy metals and plants.
The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potential
-ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
the vacuole. Once inside the vacuole Cd is bound to the induced peptide
phytochelatins, therebye reducing the Cd's chemical gradient across the
tonoplast and hence reducing the amount of energy required to keep pumping
Cd inside. In oats Cd is transported across the tonoplast via a Cd/H
antiport (presumably driven in vivo by tghe tonoplast H-ATPase or H-PPiase).
Transport of Cd back out across the PM may also be a possibility.
RE Datura: P. Jackson at Los Alamos has done alot of work on the
biochemistry of Cd resistence on Datura innoxia in tissue culture!
IS CADMIUM REALLY SO BAD!!!!!!
a recent article in Nature suggests not!(344, 658-660, 1990)
It would appear that Cd can substitute for Zn in Zn deficient marine diatoms!
Does this explain the slight growth stimulation physiologist have seen (but
not talked about) in Cd tolerence tests using root elongation?
What is Cd doing in the marine diatom? Is it siting in the active site of
catalase or in Zn-fingers?....Any ideas.

Finally are there any biophysicists out there how can explain to me why
crystaline CdS is an interesting semiconductor because the fission yeast
S. pombe makes particles of it when exposed to Cd (and may be also plants)
and AT&T Bell laboratories are interested (Nature 338, 596-597, 1989).

David Salt
Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca

Article 710 in bionet.plants:
From: claird@NeoSoft.com (Cameron Laird)
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 11 Dec 92 14:49:21 GMT

In article <1992Dec10.234216.8446@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> london@sunsite.unc.edu (Larry
 London) writes:
>In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> you write:
>>In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
                        .
Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
>>: heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
>>: is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
>>I worked for a while at Plymouth Polytechnic (UK) during the early 80's
>>when Lane and Martin were working on uptake of heavy metals by potatos
>>and strawberries, but I'm not sure what they published.
                        .
                        .
>Here's a thread on the subject I've saved over the past several months.
>There is additional material contained in a number of posts in
>alt.sustainable.agriculture, which I've archived. These mostly relate to
>the work of John Todd, formerly of the New Alchemy Institute.
A paper by K. C. Jones et al., *Nature*, 356, 137, 1992,
analyzes secular trends in pollution around Rothamsted
by measuring plants' incorporated burdens of different
pollutants.  The authors' principal concerns were with
organics--PCBs, hydrocarbons--but I think their biblio-
graphy touches on metal uptakes.
                        .
-- 
Cameron Laird
claird@Neosoft.com (claird%Neosoft.com@uunet.uu.net)    +1 713 267 7966
claird@litwin.com (claird%litwin.com@uunet.uu.net)      +1 713 996 8546

Article 713 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Subject: Re: Plant communication/sensing references wanted
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:23:45 GMT

In article <921212201751.MIN-LVICa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: 
:    The subject about says it all: I'm interested in references to literature
:    which explores the capabilities of the plant world with refer712

Article 712 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
ubject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:18:36 GMT

In article <921211224901.MIN-LHFCa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: [...]
: The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
: realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
:metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
: due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potentia
l
: -ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
: [...]

I did some work with benzo-18-crown-6 (a synthetic ionophore) which
demonstrated that accumulation of K+ in the vacuole of stomatal guard
cells was dependent on the permeability of the PM to K+ ions.  The
crown ether is incorporated into the membrane and forms K+ permeable
channels.

The driving force for accumulation of K+ is electrogenic proton
extrusion across the PM/tonoplast.  It seems that accumulation of Cd or
any other cation available would depend on membrane permeability rather
than active transport of the metal itself.

        Tony.
--
Dr. A.J.Travis,                       |  Tony Travis
Rowett Research Institute,            |  JANET: <ajt@uk.ac.sari.rri>
Greenburn Road, Bucksburn,            |  other: <ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk>
Aberdeen, AB2 9SB. UK.                |  phone: 0224-712751

From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk
ubject: Heavy metals
Date: 14 Dec 92 13:13:24 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620
 
 On the subject of hyperaccumulators, work in this lab is investigating the
nature of the complexes formed in these plants with organic acids, in order to
determine whether these provide a possible mechanism of tolerance for the
plant.  

  The levels of metal which these plants accumulate can be huge, Sebertia
accuminata, a tree from New Caledonia, has a latex which conatins, on a dry
weight basis, 26 % nickel.  This is the highest recorded concentration in any
living ( :-) ) organism.  

  I think that the act of hyperaccumulation is related to the site at which the
plant can be found.  We are working on Alyssum spp here, and these can be, and
are regularly grown in gardens in Europe.  We have plants which are known to be
hyperaccumulators, and as control plants we are using garden seeds bought from
--MORE--(88%)

a commercial supplier.  We think that they won't hyperaccumulate, if they do
then....

  Just some interesting info to pass on over the dinner table ( :-) )
End of article 721 (of 722)--what next? [npq] Article 723 in bionet.plants:
From: cunninsd@esvax.dnet.dupont.com

Subject: plants, metals and contaminated sites
Date: 15 Dec 92 15:55:43 GMT
Distribution: bionet

       This is my first time on this network, but I heard a
discussion of heavy metals in plants was underway, so I 
thought I'd join in. Here at DuPont we have an active 
research program in using plants toremediate contaminated 
soils. For this effort we  have borrowed a term I first heard
used by Ilya Raskin at Rutgers' and called it 
"Phytoremediation". 

        We define phytoremediation as the use of green plants to
remove, contain, or render harmless an environmental 
contaminant.  This definition applies to all plant-influenced
biological, chemical, and physical processes that aid in site
remediation. Although our particular current research 
emphasis is the remediation of lead-contaminated soils, we 
are interested in most other metals and organics as well.  
Simply described, we propose to farm hazardous waste sites, 
biomine the metal contaminants, and reclaim the metals 
through postharvest processing of the biomass. We consider 
the entire process to have multiple, but interdependent 
components. For the technology to be useful each component 
must be sound technically and economically, and must be 
acceptable from a regulatory perspective. Our efforts in 
phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils address all of 
these areas. I thought I would venture some general comments
on the area and see what reaction they brought.

        Although metal tolerant plants are relatively common, 
most do not accumulate significant quantities of metal in the
above ground biomass. Our metal-removal goals are ambitious,
paralleling removal rates of plant nutrients such as 
nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.  For plant-based 
decontamination to be sucessful, we must find, breed or 
engineer plants that absorb, translocate and tolerate these
metals. These three processes are separate, distinct and, in
some plants, mutually exclusive.(ie tolerance can be obtained
by lack of translocation etc.) We have found that 
combinations of any two processes in one plant are relatively
easy to find.  All three processes, working efficiently in a 
single plant with sufficient biomass to acheive the necessary 
metal-removal rates, will be more difficult to achieve. 

        The discovery or development of such plants might be 
assumed to be infeasible if it were not for the existence of
the hyperaccumulators that have been mentioned on this 
network. These naturally-occurring plants can be found 
growing on ore outcroppings and have spectacular metal-uptake
capacities. The sap of one tree has been mentioned previously
to have concentrations of Ni in excess of 25% dry weight. 
Alan Baker (Sheffield) lists plants with concentrations in 
excess of 1%  Cu and Co and 3% Zn, Ni, and Mn on a dry weight
basis.  Lead levels, although lower,  have been reported as 
high as 8,200 ppm in these plants. We are looking at these 
hyperaccumulators for potential remediation uses, however, 
due to their low growth habits and small biomass, they would
seem to be agronomically and climatically unsuited for 
phytoremediation of most sites. A breeding program to 
increase biomass and metals content is a long-term, crop-
development strategy that could be undertaken. Molecular 
biology, however, may offer valuable shortcuts !!! - (Check 
with your patent attorney, before you release it as this 
plant can have real and significant value)

        Parallel to our efforts with hyperaccumulators, we have
been exploring lead-contaminated sites for plants that 
accumulate lead. Our goal is to find, manipulate, and extend
the lead-uptake limits of these plants. We have collected and
analyzed many plants from Superfund, mining, and other
industrial sites in search of appropriate germplasm. Of the
plants we have analyzed to date, two plants have shown 
significant abilities to accumulate lead. These are hemp 
dogbane (Apocynum sp.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia sp.). 
Their lead accumulation abilities are considerable, but not 
consistent, however, across soils. Most metals, and lead in 
particular, have numerous forms in the soil, not all of which
are equally available for plant uptake.

        Manipulating the chemistry of the soil to maximize lead
removal requires balancing plant-nutritional requirements for
biomass production with the availiability of lead for uptake
by plants. We have found these to be often competing 
processes. Maximizing lead availability requires a lower pH 
and low solution levels of phosphate and sulfate, which 
directly impacts total plant biomass produced. The plant-
nutritional status of the soil must be continuously balanced
against the lead-availability status to maximize total lead 
removal.

        Pb occurs in all of the physicochemical forms measured
in a sequential extraction of contaminated soils, including
water-soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, 
carbonate, oxyhydroxide, organic, and other forms.  
Experiments have confirmed, however, that there are wide 
differences between soils in these Pb forms and in the 
ability of plants to pick up the metal in question.

        I would be interested in general comments on the 
approach, names of others working in the area, etc. etc..

Article 727 (2 more) in bionet.plants:
From: dr@ducvax.auburn.edu
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 06:32:56 GMT

In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Tr
avis) writes:
> In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
> : I am a "virgin" bionet user, this is my first message.
> 
> Hello, David + welcome to bionet.plants!
> 
> : Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
> : heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
> : is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
> Ok, everybody - are you interested in discussing heavy metals??

I'd be interested in such a discussion; my current interest would be
taxonomic in nature.  'Fraid I can't make any contribution to such a
discussion at this time, for convoluted reasons, best alluded to by my 
post, "Request: Recruiting/Luring Biologists to the Nets", in sci.bio 
and bionet.general.  That same post would also serve as a belated way 
to introduce myself (I did not do so at the inception of this group, 
for reasons I will style as virginal shyness).

David Roller  |    Bitnet = dr@auducvax            |  "Because we're all
Auburn Univ.  |  Internet = dr@ducvax.auburn.edu   |   in this together."

bionet.plants:
From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk
Subject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 16 Dec 92 22:51:38 GMT

 Cadmium

   In humans and animals Cd interfers with Cu and Zn metabolism.  It competes
with Zn for sites in metalloenzymes that require Zn for function.  It also
blocks sulphydral groups.  

   Interestingly, on the point of Cd competing for Zn sites most metalloenzymes
that require Zn show partial activity if Cd is substituted back in.  Mn, Ni and
Co, can also achieve this effect, with Co being the least disruptive.  

  So my guess is that with Zn deficiency, Cd can reactivate the
Zn-metalloenzymes, and Co would work even better!!!
 
 Kev

Newsgroups: bionet.plants,alt.sustainable.agriculture
From: london@sunSITE.unc.edu (Larry London)
Summary: 260 plants tested for purifiying ability
Keywords: Kathe Seidel of Max Planck Institute
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 07:30:06 GMT

Regarding hyperaccumulators, bioremediation, etc.:

See this article:

HARROWSMITH, The Magazine of Country Life
December, 1988
Number 18
Pages 38-47

"The New Alchemist" John Todd: Transforming Waste With a Rare Mettle
By Donella Meadows

-------------------------
From text on pages 43-44:
[quoted without permission]

"The effluent takes five days to wind from one end of the greenhouse to
the other. When it reaches the far end, it is filtered by the artificial
marsh - a gravel bed out of which grows a carefully selected thicket of 
water-loving plants. The marsh plants are chosen because they have 
commercial value (watercress) or pretty blooms (marsh marigold) or known
ability to take up toxic substances (cattails, bulrushes). Organic toxins
are broken down. Heavy metals accumulate in the plants and in any compost
made from the plants. That's a problem, but heavy metals are a problem in
every kind of wastewater treatment plant."
"I learned about these plants from Kathe Seidel at the Max Planck
Institute in West Germany. She's tested 260 plants for purifying ability.
She found that some would take up heavy metals and organic solvents and
even some, like that aquatic iris over there, that exude substances from
their roots that kill pathogenic bacteria. Hardly anyone pays attention to
her work. But she gave me the confidence that we could duplicate nature's 
way of making high-quality water."

----------------------
Lawrence
london@sunsite.unc.edu

Article 735 (8 more) in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 16 Dec 92 23:25:37 GMT

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

Welcome to the group, David.

I'm glad that people are beginning to participate actively on the
bionet.plants group.  As plant biologists we have a lot to learn from
the molecular biologists experience of using the network, but we are
getting there gradually.

The essence of Usenet, for me, is the informal contact we make with
each other by posting to a group such as this.  I began the discussions
on bionet.plants by asking people to introduce themselves and describe
their area of interest.

So, tell us something about your interest in heavy metals and taxonomy?

Ok, what am I interested in . My main interest is in how plants are able
to tolerate elevated levels of heavy metals and specifically what is the
mechanism of metals tolerance in evolved metal tolerant races. I have
looked at the formation of copper-phytochelatin (gamma(EC)nG) and
metallothionein (the protein I isolated had an amino acid composition very
similar to that predicted for the plant metallothionein gene) in copper
tolerant Mimulus guttatus inresponse to 10 micro molar Cu and the synthesis
of just phytochelatins in response to Cd. Recently I have been looking at the
mechanism involved in Cd and phytochelatin transport into the vacuole where
they appear to accumulate. I have identified a Cd/H antiport activity at the
tonoplast and am now investigateing the mechanisms of phytochelatin transport.
Well in a nut shell that is what I do.

David Salt
Botany Dept.
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada  (Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca)


-------
Article 11236 (123 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 23:15:20 GMT

I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz) writes:

> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11254 (121 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 11:52:31 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu writes:

> There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
> tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
> now forgotten.  Maybe uses F- instead of Cl-?????

"Gifblaar".  It makes fluoroacetate ion, a potent inhibitor of the
Krebs cycle.  One mouthful of this plant can kill a sheep.  A related
species makes some other fluorinated acids, also toxic.

Interestingly, another member of this genus is a nickel
hyperaccumulator.

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11287 (153 more) in rec.gardens:
From: emolinar@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Elizabeth Molinaro)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?Date: 7 Oct 92 18:29:15 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
writes:
>In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu
(Paul Dietz) writes:
>> 
>> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
>lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.
>

        I read something about Jimsonweed.

        About a month ago, in the Wall Street Journal, page 1

        Apparently, it hyperaccumulates toxic nuclear (now THAT's
        redundant) wastes...and thrives!!!!

        Elizabeth


From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: 8 Oct 92 18:35:08 -0500

Paul Dietz (with a marvelous memory!) remembered the plant I couldn't--
the one that makes fluoroacetate when grown on soils heavy in fluorine,
and thus becomes toxic to animals.  He also remembered the common name
is "giftblaar", not "giftboom" as I had thought.

Dichapetalum is a BIG genus of 150-200 species of the tropics, particularly
Africa.  It's a member of the family Dichapetalaceae, which may be
related to the Euphorbiaceae, the poinsettia family, according to 
Willis's Dictionary.  Alas, Chiltern Seeds doesn't seem to stock it :-(

------
From:   IN%"dietz@cs.rochester.EDU"  

The genus is Dichapetalum.  The three species to which I referred
are:

        D. cymosum      Makes fluoroacetate
        D. toxicarium   Makes various omega-fluorinated fatty acids
        D. gelonioides  A nickel hyperaccumulator

D. gelonioides doesn't have unusually large amounts of fluorine in
its tissues.  I don't remember if D. toxicarium makes fluoroacetate
as well.
--------

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the library I go... 8-)

Kay

rec.gardens #10472 
From: A.S. Chamove
Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 19:47:12 1992
Organization: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soils?

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand


1] Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 20:53:28 1992
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?
> 

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.

Kay


rticle 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
ubject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: 6 Oct 92 20:59:25 -0500

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Pau l Dietz) writes:
> 
> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI


Article 11249 (115 more) in rec.gardens:
From: london@SunSite.unc.edu (Larry London)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 05:06:58 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu> 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul  Dietz) writes:
>
>I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>       Paul F. Dietz
>       dietz@cs.rochester.edu

A lady in Germany has researched and catalogued some 250 or so plants
identified as hyperaccumulators. I have a magazine article on John Todd's
experiments with biological sewage treatment systems using some of these
plants along with certain aquatic animals, in partitioned lagoons, in
greenhouses to produce acceptably clean effluent. John started the New
Alchemy Institute.
Datura (Jimson Weed) and cattails are reputed to be hyperaccumulators.


Date: 12 Oct 92 00:53:28 GMT
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.

Kay

Article 471 (7 more) in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1992 15:48:56 EDT
From: <MEK104@psuvm.psu.edu>
Subject: Re: Heavy Metals and Fruit Trees

cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Clint Potter) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1992 19:09:08 GMT
Requested info:

> I am after a information on the effects of heavy metals in the soil on fruit
> trees.

> Are metals like Pb and Cd detrimental to the growth of trees like apples,
> peaches and pears?  Is there any research on tolerable concentrations of
> these elements?  Are these metals likely to migrate to the fruit?  What type
> of soil test should be done?  Is total Pb and total Cd adequate?

> Thank you for any information or references.

> Clint Potter cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu

Check a recent review article :

       W. H. O. Ernst et al., 1992.  Metal tolerance in plants.
       Acta Botanica Neerlandica 41:229-248.

If it doesn't provide you with the info you need, it may lead you to other
sources in the literature cited.

Mark Kubiske

From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)

  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of 
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted 
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King  
Lewis Publishing   1992.

-- 
Capt. Kirk: let's head for that planet, third from the sun, it
            looks promising.... |-)

Article 704 in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 09:03:23 EST
From: <MEK104@psuvm.psu.edu>


Subject: Re: Heavy metals in plants
Lines: 24

I'm out of my field here, but I'm somewhat involved in a study here at Penn
State which might at least be interesting, if not relevant to this budding
'heavy metal' discussion.  About 100 years ago in the Eastern US, the
"cahrcoal-iron" industry was pretty big business.  Travelers through
Pennsylvania can still see the huge, stone iron furnaces in state parks and
the like.  The iron workers would fire the furnaces with charcoal which they
produced themselves from the surrounding forests.  One can walk through the
woods almost anywhere in PA and encounter numerous "charcoal hearths" -
elliptical or circular flat areas about 10 to 12 meters across with very
little or no woody vegetation.  The study was designed to try and pin down
why woody vegetation is virtually excluded from these hearths even after 100
years.  I might add that the surrounding woods were heavily logged during
this period, clearcut on 40 year rotations was common.  Needless to say the
woods are growing quite vigerously, but not the hearths.  Tissue-water
relations of test plants (my field) suggest some form of drought stress.
The soil on these hearths is up to 70% organic matter due to charcoal dust
--MORE--(83%)

and fragments.  Can there be some heavy metal residue that may have been
concentrated by stacking 10 cords at a time on these hearths and coaling
them?  Some hearths were used very many times over.

Mark Kubiske                < MEK104@PSUVM.PSU.EDU >
School of Forest Resources
Penn State University

End of article 704 (of 704)--what next? [npq] 


Article 708 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: BOTSALT@VM.UOGUELPH.CA (david salt)


Subject: heavy metals a few points
Date: 11 Dec 92 22:14:04 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Lines: 31

Well I am pleased with the response to my plea for discussion on the topic
of heavy metals and plants.
The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potential
-ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
the vacuole. Once inside the vacuole Cd is bound to the induced peptide
phytochelatins, therebye reducing the Cd's chemical gradient across the
tonoplast and hence reducing the amount of energy required to keep pumping
Cd inside. In oats Cd is transported across the tonoplast via a Cd/H
antiport (presumably driven in vivo by tghe tonoplast H-ATPase or H-PPiase).
Transport of Cd back out across the PM may also be a possibility.
RE Datura: P. Jackson at Los Alamos has done alot of work on the
biochemistry of Cd resistence on Datura innoxia in tissue culture!

--MORE--(64%)

IS CADMIUM REALLY SO BAD!!!!!!
a recent article in Nature suggests not!(344, 658-660, 1990)
It would appear that Cd can substitute for Zn in Zn deficient marine diatoms!
Does this explain the slight growth stimulation physiologist have seen (but
not talked about) in Cd tolerence tests using root elongation?
What is Cd doing in the marine diatom? Is it siting in the active site of
catalase or in Zn-fingers?....Any ideas.

Finally are there any biophysicists out there how can explain to me why
crystaline CdS is an interesting semiconductor because the fission yeast
S. pombe makes particles of it when exposed to Cd (and may be also plants)
and AT&T Bell laboratories are interested (Nature 338, 596-597, 1989).

David Salt
Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca
End of article 708 (of 709)--what next? [npq] 710
Article 710 in bionet.plants:
From: claird@NeoSoft.com (Cameron Laird)


Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 11 Dec 92 14:49:21 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Organization: NeoSoft Communications Services -- (713) 684-5900
Lines: 34

In article <1992Dec10.234216.8446@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> london@sunsite.unc.edu (Larry
 London) writes:
>In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> you write:
>>In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
                        .
                        .
                        .
>>: Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
>>: heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
>>: is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
>>
>>I worked for a while at Plymouth Polytechnic (UK) during the early 80's
>>when Lane and Martin were working on uptake of heavy metals by potatos
>>and strawberries, but I'm not sure what they published.
                        .
--MORE--(59%)

                        .
                        .
>Here's a thread on the subject I've saved over the past several months.
>There is additional material contained in a number of posts in
>alt.sustainable.agriculture, which I've archived. These mostly relate to
>the work of John Todd, formerly of the New Alchemy Institute.
A paper by K. C. Jones et al., *Nature*, 356, 137, 1992,
analyzes secular trends in pollution around Rothamsted
by measuring plants' incorporated burdens of different
pollutants.  The authors' principal concerns were with
organics--PCBs, hydrocarbons--but I think their biblio-
graphy touches on metal uptakes.
                        .
                        .
                        .
-- 

Cameron Laird
claird@Neosoft.com (claird%Neosoft.com@uunet.uu.net)    +1 713 267 7966
claird@litwin.com (claird%litwin.com@uunet.uu.net)      +1 713 996 8546
End of article 710 (of 713)--what next? [npq] 713
Article 713 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)


Subject: Re: Plant communication/sensing references wanted
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:23:45 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Organization: Rowett Research Institute
Lines: 20
Original-To: plantbio@uk.ac.daresbury

In article <921212201751.MIN-LVICa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: 
:    The subject about says it all: I'm interested in references to literature
:    which explores the capabilities of the plant world with refer712
Article 712 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)


Subject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:18:36 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Organization: Rowett Research Institute
Lines: 26
Original-To: plantbio@uk.ac.daresbury

In article <921211224901.MIN-LHFCa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: [...]
: The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
: realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
: metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probabl
y
: due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potentia
l
: -ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
: [...]

I did some work with benzo-18-crown-6 (a synthetic ionophore) which
demonstrated that accumulation of K+ in the vacuole of stomatal guard
cells was dependent on the permeability of the PM to K+ ions.  The
--MORE--(66%)

crown ether is incorporated into the membrane and forms K+ permeable
channels.

The driving force for accumulation of K+ is electrogenic proton
extrusion across the PM/tonoplast.  It seems that accumulation of Cd or
any other cation available would depend on membrane permeability rather
than active transport of the metal itself.

        Tony.
--
Dr. A.J.Travis,                       |  Tony Travis
Rowett Research Institute,            |  JANET: <ajt@uk.ac.sari.rri>
Greenburn Road, Bucksburn,            |  other: <ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk>
Aberdeen, AB2 9SB. UK.                |  phone: 0224-712751
End of article 712 (of 713)--what next? [npq] Article 721 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk


Subject: Heavy metals
Date: 14 Dec 92 13:13:24 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620
Lines: 20


 
 On the subject of hyperaccumulators, work in this lab is investigating the
nature of the complexes formed in these plants with organic acids, in order to
determine whether these provide a possible mechanism of tolerance for the
plant.  

  The levels of metal which these plants accumulate can be huge, Sebertia
accuminata, a tree from New Caledonia, has a latex which conatins, on a dry
weight basis, 26 % nickel.  This is the highest recorded concentration in any
living ( :-) ) organism.  

  I think that the act of hyperaccumulation is related to the site at which the
plant can be found.  We are working on Alyssum spp here, and these can be, and
are regularly grown in gardens in Europe.  We have plants which are known to be
hyperaccumulators, and as control plants we are using garden seeds bought from
--MORE--(88%)

a commercial supplier.  We think that they won't hyperaccumulate, if they do
then....

  Just some interesting info to pass on over the dinner table ( :-) )
End of article 721 (of 722)--what next? [npq] Article 723 in bionet.plants:
From: cunninsd@esvax.dnet.dupont.com


Subject: plants, metals and contaminated sites
Date: 15 Dec 92 15:55:43 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Lines: 98


        This is my first time on this network, but I heard a
discussion of heavy metals in plants was underway, so I 
thought I'd join in. Here at DuPont we have an active 
research program in using plants toremediate contaminated 
soils. For this effort we  have borrowed a term I first heard
used by Ilya Raskin at Rutgers' and called it 
"Phytoremediation". 

        We define phytoremediation as the use of green plants to
remove, contain, or render harmless an environmental 
contaminant.  This definition applies to all plant-influenced
biological, chemical, and physical processes that aid in site
remediation. Although our particular current research 
emphasis is the remediation of lead-contaminated soils, we 
are interested in most other metals and organics as well.  
--MORE--(20%)

Simply described, we propose to farm hazardous waste sites, 
biomine the metal contaminants, and reclaim the metals 
through postharvest processing of the biomass. We consider 
the entire process to have multiple, but interdependent 
components. For the technology to be useful each component 
must be sound technically and economically, and must be 
acceptable from a regulatory perspective. Our efforts in 
phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils address all of 
these areas. I thought I would venture some general comments
on the area and see what reaction they brought.

        Although metal tolerant plants are relatively common, 
most do not accumulate significant quantities of metal in the
above ground biomass. Our metal-removal goals are ambitious,
paralleling removal rates of plant nutrients such as 
nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.  For plant-based 
decontamination to be sucessful, we must find, breed or 
engineer plants that absorb, translocate and tolerate these
metals. These three processes are separate, distinct and, in
some plants, mutually exclusive.(ie tolerance can be obtained
by lack of translocation etc.) We have found that 
combinations of any two processes in one plant are relatively
easy to find.  All three processes, working efficiently in a 
--MORE--(43%)

single plant with sufficient biomass to acheive the necessary 
metal-removal rates, will be more difficult to achieve. 

        The discovery or development of such plants might be 
assumed to be infeasible if it were not for the existence of
the hyperaccumulators that have been mentioned on this 
network. These naturally-occurring plants can be found 
growing on ore outcroppings and have spectacular metal-uptake
capacities. The sap of one tree has been mentioned previously
to have concentrations of Ni in excess of 25% dry weight. 
Alan Baker (Sheffield) lists plants with concentrations in 
excess of 1%  Cu and Co and 3% Zn, Ni, and Mn on a dry weight
basis.  Lead levels, although lower,  have been reported as 
high as 8,200 ppm in these plants. We are looking at these 
hyperaccumulators for potential remediation uses, however, 
due to their low growth habits and small biomass, they would
seem to be agronomically and climatically unsuited for 
phytoremediation of most sites. A breeding program to 
increase biomass and metals content is a long-term, crop-
development strategy that could be undertaken. Molecular 
biology, however, may offer valuable shortcuts !!! - (Check 
with your patent attorney, before you release it as this 
plant can have real and significant value)
--MORE--(67%)


        Parallel to our efforts with hyperaccumulators, we have
been exploring lead-contaminated sites for plants that 
accumulate lead. Our goal is to find, manipulate, and extend
the lead-uptake limits of these plants. We have collected and
analyzed many plants from Superfund, mining, and other
industrial sites in search of appropriate germplasm. Of the
plants we have analyzed to date, two plants have shown 
significant abilities to accumulate lead. These are hemp 
dogbane (Apocynum sp.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia sp.). 
Their lead accumulation abilities are considerable, but not 
consistent, however, across soils. Most metals, and lead in 
particular, have numerous forms in the soil, not all of which
are equally available for plant uptake.

        Manipulating the chemistry of the soil to maximize lead
removal requires balancing plant-nutritional requirements for
biomass production with the availiability of lead for uptake
by plants. We have found these to be often competing 
processes. Maximizing lead availability requires a lower pH 
and low solution levels of phosphate and sulfate, which 
directly impacts total plant biomass produced. The plant-
nutritional status of the soil must be continuously balanced
--MORE--(89%)

against the lead-availability status to maximize total lead 
removal.

        Pb occurs in all of the physicochemical forms measured
in a sequential extraction of contaminated soils, including
water-soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, 
carbonate, oxyhydroxide, organic, and other forms.  
Experiments have confirmed, however, that there are wide 
differences between soils in these Pb forms and in the 
ability of plants to pick up the metal in question.

        I would be interested in general comments on the 
approach, names of others working in the area, etc. etc..
End of article 723 (of 724)--what next? [npq] 727
Article 727 (2 more) in bionet.plants:
From: dr@ducvax.auburn.edu


Subject: Re: A big hello
Lines: 28
Nntp-Posting-Host: ducvax
Organization: Auburn University, AL
Distribution: bionet
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 06:32:56 GMT
Lines: 28

In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Tr
avis) writes:
> In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
> : I am a "virgin" bionet user, this is my first message.
> 
> Hello, David + welcome to bionet.plants!
> 
> : Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
> : heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
> : is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
> 
> <some deletions...>
>
--MORE--(54%)

> Ok, everybody - are you interested in discussing heavy metals??
> 

I'd be interested in such a discussion; my current interest would be
taxonomic in nature.  'Fraid I can't make any contribution to such a
discussion at this time, for convoluted reasons, best alluded to by my 
post, "Request: Recruiting/Luring Biologists to the Nets", in sci.bio 
and bionet.general.  That same post would also serve as a belated way 
to introduce myself (I did not do so at the inception of this group, 
for reasons I will style as virginal shyness).

        D.R.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Roller  |    Bitnet = dr@auducvax            |  "Because we're all
Auburn Univ.  |  Internet = dr@ducvax.auburn.edu   |   in this together."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------




Regarding hyperaccumulators, bioremediation, etc.:

See this article:

HARROWSMITH, The Magazine of Country Life
December, 1988
Number 18
Pages 38-47

"The New Alchemist" John Todd: Transforming Waste With a Rare Mettle
By Donella Meadows

-------------------------
From text on pages 43-44:
[quoted without permission]

"The effluent takes five days to wind from one end of the greenhouse to
the other. When it reaches the far end, it is filtered by the artificial
marsh - a gravel bed out of which grows a carefully selected thicket of 
water-loving plants. The marsh plants are chosen because they have 
commercial value (watercress) or pretty blooms (marsh marigold) or known
ability to take up toxic substances (cattails, bulrushes). Organic toxins
are broken down. Heavy metals accumulate in the plants and in any compost
made from the plants. That's a problem, but heavy metals are a problem in
every kind of wastewater treatment plant."
"I learned about these plants from Kathe Seidel at the Max Planck
Institute in West Germany. She's tested 260 plants for purifying ability.
She found that some would take up heavy metals and organic solvents and
even some, like that aquatic iris over there, that exude substances from
their roots that kill pathogenic bacteria. Hardly anyone pays attention to
her work. But she gave me the confidence that we could duplicate nature's 
way of making high-quality water."

 

-------
Article 11236 (123 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 23:15:20 GMT

I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz) writes:

> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11254 (121 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 11:52:31 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu writes:

> There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
> tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
> now forgotten.  Maybe uses F- instead of Cl-?????

"Gifblaar".  It makes fluoroacetate ion, a potent inhibitor of the
Krebs cycle.  One mouthful of this plant can kill a sheep.  A related
species makes some other fluorinated acids, also toxic.

Interestingly, another member of this genus is a nickel
hyperaccumulator.

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11287 (153 more) in rec.gardens:
From: emolinar@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Elizabeth Molinaro)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?Date: 7 Oct 92 18:29:15 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
writes:
>In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu
(Paul Dietz) writes:
>> 
>> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
>lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.
>

        I read something about Jimsonweed.

        About a month ago, in the Wall Street Journal, page 1

        Apparently, it hyperaccumulates toxic nuclear (now THAT's
        redundant) wastes...and thrives!!!!

        Elizabeth


From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: 8 Oct 92 18:35:08 -0500

Paul Dietz (with a marvelous memory!) remembered the plant I couldn't--
the one that makes fluoroacetate when grown on soils heavy in fluorine,
and thus becomes toxic to animals.  He also remembered the common name
is "giftblaar", not "giftboom" as I had thought.

Dichapetalum is a BIG genus of 150-200 species of the tropics, particularly
Africa.  It's a member of the family Dichapetalaceae, which may be
related to the Euphorbiaceae, the poinsettia family, according to 
Willis's Dictionary.  Alas, Chiltern Seeds doesn't seem to stock it :-(

------
From:   IN%"dietz@cs.rochester.EDU"  

The genus is Dichapetalum.  The three species to which I referred
are:

        D. cymosum      Makes fluoroacetate
        D. toxicarium   Makes various omega-fluorinated fatty acids
        D. gelonioides  A nickel hyperaccumulator

D. gelonioides doesn't have unusually large amounts of fluorine in
its tissues.  I don't remember if D. toxicarium makes fluoroacetate
as well.
--------

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the library I go... 8-)

Kay

rec.gardens #10472 
From: A.S. Chamove
Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 19:47:12 1992
Organization: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soils?

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand


1] Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 20:53:28 1992
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?
> 

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.

Kay


rticle 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
ubject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: 6 Oct 92 20:59:25 -0500

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Pau l Dietz) writes:
> 
> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI


Article 11249 (115 more) in rec.gardens:
From: london@SunSite.unc.edu (Larry London)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 05:06:58 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu> 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul  Dietz) writes:
>
>I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>       Paul F. Dietz
>       dietz@cs.rochester.edu

A lady in Germany has researched and catalogued some 250 or so plants
identified as hyperaccumulators. I have a magazine article on John Todd's
experiments with biological sewage treatment systems using some of these
plants along with certain aquatic animals, in partitioned lagoons, in
greenhouses to produce acceptably clean effluent. John started the New
Alchemy Institute.
Datura (Jimson Weed) and cattails are reputed to be hyperaccumulators.


Date: 12 Oct 92 00:53:28 GMT
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.

Kay

Article 471 (7 more) in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1992 15:48:56 EDT
From: <MEK104@psuvm.psu.edu>
Subject: Re: Heavy Metals and Fruit Trees

cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Clint Potter) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1992 19:09:08 GMT
Requested info:

> I am after a information on the effects of heavy metals in the soil on fruit
> trees.

> Are metals like Pb and Cd detrimental to the growth of trees like apples,
> peaches and pears?  Is there any research on tolerable concentrations of
> these elements?  Are these metals likely to migrate to the fruit?  What type
> of soil test should be done?  Is total Pb and total Cd adequate?

> Thank you for any information or references.

> Clint Potter cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu

Check a recent review article :

       W. H. O. Ernst et al., 1992.  Metal tolerance in plants.
       Acta Botanica Neerlandica 41:229-248.

If it doesn't provide you with the info you need, it may lead you to other
sources in the literature cited.

Mark Kubiske

From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)

  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of 
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted 
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King  
Lewis Publishing   1992.

-- 
Capt. Kirk: let's head for that planet, third from the sun, it
            looks promising.... |-)

Article 704 in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 09:03:23 EST
From: <MEK104@psuvm.psu.edu>


Subject: Re: Heavy metals in plants
Lines: 24

I'm out of my field here, but I'm somewhat involved in a study here at Penn
State which might at least be interesting, if not relevant to this budding
'heavy metal' discussion.  About 100 years ago in the Eastern US, the
"cahrcoal-iron" industry was pretty big business.  Travelers through
Pennsylvania can still see the huge, stone iron furnaces in state parks and
the like.  The iron workers would fire the furnaces with charcoal which they
produced themselves from the surrounding forests.  One can walk through the
woods almost anywhere in PA and encounter numerous "charcoal hearths" -
elliptical or circular flat areas about 10 to 12 meters across with very
little or no woody vegetation.  The study was designed to try and pin down
why woody vegetation is virtually excluded from these hearths even after 100
years.  I might add that the surrounding woods were heavily logged during
this period, clearcut on 40 year rotations was common.  Needless to say the
woods are growing quite vigerously, but not the hearths.  Tissue-water
relations of test plants (my field) suggest some form of drought stress.
The soil on these hearths is up to 70% organic matter due to charcoal dust
--MORE--(83%)

and fragments.  Can there be some heavy metal residue that may have been
concentrated by stacking 10 cords at a time on these hearths and coaling
them?  Some hearths were used very many times over.

Mark Kubiske                < MEK104@PSUVM.PSU.EDU >
School of Forest Resources
Penn State University

End of article 704 (of 704)--what next? [npq] 


Article 708 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: BOTSALT@VM.UOGUELPH.CA (david salt)


Subject: heavy metals a few points
Date: 11 Dec 92 22:14:04 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Lines: 31

Well I am pleased with the response to my plea for discussion on the topic
of heavy metals and plants.
The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potential
-ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
the vacuole. Once inside the vacuole Cd is bound to the induced peptide
phytochelatins, therebye reducing the Cd's chemical gradient across the
tonoplast and hence reducing the amount of energy required to keep pumping
Cd inside. In oats Cd is transported across the tonoplast via a Cd/H
antiport (presumably driven in vivo by tghe tonoplast H-ATPase or H-PPiase).
Transport of Cd back out across the PM may also be a possibility.
RE Datura: P. Jackson at Los Alamos has done alot of work on the
biochemistry of Cd resistence on Datura innoxia in tissue culture!

--MORE--(64%)

IS CADMIUM REALLY SO BAD!!!!!!
a recent article in Nature suggests not!(344, 658-660, 1990)
It would appear that Cd can substitute for Zn in Zn deficient marine diatoms!
Does this explain the slight growth stimulation physiologist have seen (but
not talked about) in Cd tolerence tests using root elongation?
What is Cd doing in the marine diatom? Is it siting in the active site of
catalase or in Zn-fingers?....Any ideas.

Finally are there any biophysicists out there how can explain to me why
crystaline CdS is an interesting semiconductor because the fission yeast
S. pombe makes particles of it when exposed to Cd (and may be also plants)
and AT&T Bell laboratories are interested (Nature 338, 596-597, 1989).

David Salt
Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca
End of article 708 (of 709)--what next? [npq] 710
Article 710 in bionet.plants:
From: claird@NeoSoft.com (Cameron Laird)


Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 11 Dec 92 14:49:21 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Organization: NeoSoft Communications Services -- (713) 684-5900
Lines: 34

In article <1992Dec10.234216.8446@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> london@sunsite.unc.edu (Larry
 London) writes:
>In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> you write:
>>In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
                        .
                        .
                        .
>>: Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
>>: heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
>>: is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
>>
>>I worked for a while at Plymouth Polytechnic (UK) during the early 80's
>>when Lane and Martin were working on uptake of heavy metals by potatos
>>and strawberries, but I'm not sure what they published.
                        .
--MORE--(59%)

                        .
                        .
>Here's a thread on the subject I've saved over the past several months.
>There is additional material contained in a number of posts in
>alt.sustainable.agriculture, which I've archived. These mostly relate to
>the work of John Todd, formerly of the New Alchemy Institute.
A paper by K. C. Jones et al., *Nature*, 356, 137, 1992,
analyzes secular trends in pollution around Rothamsted
by measuring plants' incorporated burdens of different
pollutants.  The authors' principal concerns were with
organics--PCBs, hydrocarbons--but I think their biblio-
graphy touches on metal uptakes.
                        .
                        .
                        .
-- 

Cameron Laird
claird@Neosoft.com (claird%Neosoft.com@uunet.uu.net)    +1 713 267 7966
claird@litwin.com (claird%litwin.com@uunet.uu.net)      +1 713 996 8546
End of article 710 (of 713)--what next? [npq] 713
Article 713 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)


Subject: Re: Plant communication/sensing references wanted
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:23:45 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Organization: Rowett Research Institute
Lines: 20
Original-To: plantbio@uk.ac.daresbury

In article <921212201751.MIN-LVICa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: 
:    The subject about says it all: I'm interested in references to literature
:    which explores the capabilities of the plant world with refer712
Article 712 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)


Subject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:18:36 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Organization: Rowett Research Institute
Lines: 26
Original-To: plantbio@uk.ac.daresbury

In article <921211224901.MIN-LHFCa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: [...]
: The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
: realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
: metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probabl
y
: due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potentia
l
: -ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
: [...]

I did some work with benzo-18-crown-6 (a synthetic ionophore) which
demonstrated that accumulation of K+ in the vacuole of stomatal guard
cells was dependent on the permeability of the PM to K+ ions.  The
--MORE--(66%)

crown ether is incorporated into the membrane and forms K+ permeable
channels.

The driving force for accumulation of K+ is electrogenic proton
extrusion across the PM/tonoplast.  It seems that accumulation of Cd or
any other cation available would depend on membrane permeability rather
than active transport of the metal itself.

        Tony.
--
Dr. A.J.Travis,                       |  Tony Travis
Rowett Research Institute,            |  JANET: <ajt@uk.ac.sari.rri>
Greenburn Road, Bucksburn,            |  other: <ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk>
Aberdeen, AB2 9SB. UK.                |  phone: 0224-712751
End of article 712 (of 713)--what next? [npq] Article 721 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk


Subject: Heavy metals
Date: 14 Dec 92 13:13:24 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620
Lines: 20


 
 On the subject of hyperaccumulators, work in this lab is investigating the
nature of the complexes formed in these plants with organic acids, in order to
determine whether these provide a possible mechanism of tolerance for the
plant.  

  The levels of metal which these plants accumulate can be huge, Sebertia
accuminata, a tree from New Caledonia, has a latex which conatins, on a dry
weight basis, 26 % nickel.  This is the highest recorded concentration in any
living ( :-) ) organism.  

  I think that the act of hyperaccumulation is related to the site at which the
plant can be found.  We are working on Alyssum spp here, and these can be, and
are regularly grown in gardens in Europe.  We have plants which are known to be
hyperaccumulators, and as control plants we are using garden seeds bought from
--MORE--(88%)

a commercial supplier.  We think that they won't hyperaccumulate, if they do
then....

  Just some interesting info to pass on over the dinner table ( :-) )
End of article 721 (of 722)--what next? [npq] Article 723 in bionet.plants:
From: cunninsd@esvax.dnet.dupont.com


Subject: plants, metals and contaminated sites
Date: 15 Dec 92 15:55:43 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Lines: 98


        This is my first time on this network, but I heard a
discussion of heavy metals in plants was underway, so I 
thought I'd join in. Here at DuPont we have an active 
research program in using plants toremediate contaminated 
soils. For this effort we  have borrowed a term I first heard
used by Ilya Raskin at Rutgers' and called it 
"Phytoremediation". 

        We define phytoremediation as the use of green plants to
remove, contain, or render harmless an environmental 
contaminant.  This definition applies to all plant-influenced
biological, chemical, and physical processes that aid in site
remediation. Although our particular current research 
emphasis is the remediation of lead-contaminated soils, we 
are interested in most other metals and organics as well.  
--MORE--(20%)

Simply described, we propose to farm hazardous waste sites, 
biomine the metal contaminants, and reclaim the metals 
through postharvest processing of the biomass. We consider 
the entire process to have multiple, but interdependent 
components. For the technology to be useful each component 
must be sound technically and economically, and must be 
acceptable from a regulatory perspective. Our efforts in 
phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils address all of 
these areas. I thought I would venture some general comments
on the area and see what reaction they brought.

        Although metal tolerant plants are relatively common, 
most do not accumulate significant quantities of metal in the
above ground biomass. Our metal-removal goals are ambitious,
paralleling removal rates of plant nutrients such as 
nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.  For plant-based 
decontamination to be sucessful, we must find, breed or 
engineer plants that absorb, translocate and tolerate these
metals. These three processes are separate, distinct and, in
some plants, mutually exclusive.(ie tolerance can be obtained
by lack of translocation etc.) We have found that 
combinations of any two processes in one plant are relatively
easy to find.  All three processes, working efficiently in a 
--MORE--(43%)

single plant with sufficient biomass to acheive the necessary 
metal-removal rates, will be more difficult to achieve. 

        The discovery or development of such plants might be 
assumed to be infeasible if it were not for the existence of
the hyperaccumulators that have been mentioned on this 
network. These naturally-occurring plants can be found 
growing on ore outcroppings and have spectacular metal-uptake
capacities. The sap of one tree has been mentioned previously
to have concentrations of Ni in excess of 25% dry weight. 
Alan Baker (Sheffield) lists plants with concentrations in 
excess of 1%  Cu and Co and 3% Zn, Ni, and Mn on a dry weight
basis.  Lead levels, although lower,  have been reported as 
high as 8,200 ppm in these plants. We are looking at these 
hyperaccumulators for potential remediation uses, however, 
due to their low growth habits and small biomass, they would
seem to be agronomically and climatically unsuited for 
phytoremediation of most sites. A breeding program to 
increase biomass and metals content is a long-term, crop-
development strategy that could be undertaken. Molecular 
biology, however, may offer valuable shortcuts !!! - (Check 
with your patent attorney, before you release it as this 
plant can have real and significant value)
--MORE--(67%)


        Parallel to our efforts with hyperaccumulators, we have
been exploring lead-contaminated sites for plants that 
accumulate lead. Our goal is to find, manipulate, and extend
the lead-uptake limits of these plants. We have collected and
analyzed many plants from Superfund, mining, and other
industrial sites in search of appropriate germplasm. Of the
plants we have analyzed to date, two plants have shown 
significant abilities to accumulate lead. These are hemp 
dogbane (Apocynum sp.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia sp.). 
Their lead accumulation abilities are considerable, but not 
consistent, however, across soils. Most metals, and lead in 
particular, have numerous forms in the soil, not all of which
are equally available for plant uptake.

        Manipulating the chemistry of the soil to maximize lead
removal requires balancing plant-nutritional requirements for
biomass production with the availiability of lead for uptake
by plants. We have found these to be often competing 
processes. Maximizing lead availability requires a lower pH 
and low solution levels of phosphate and sulfate, which 
directly impacts total plant biomass produced. The plant-
nutritional status of the soil must be continuously balanced
--MORE--(89%)

against the lead-availability status to maximize total lead 
removal.

        Pb occurs in all of the physicochemical forms measured
in a sequential extraction of contaminated soils, including
water-soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, 
carbonate, oxyhydroxide, organic, and other forms.  
Experiments have confirmed, however, that there are wide 
differences between soils in these Pb forms and in the 
ability of plants to pick up the metal in question.

        I would be interested in general comments on the 
approach, names of others working in the area, etc. etc..
End of article 723 (of 724)--what next? [npq] 727
Article 727 (2 more) in bionet.plants:
From: dr@ducvax.auburn.edu


Subject: Re: A big hello
Lines: 28
Nntp-Posting-Host: ducvax
Organization: Auburn University, AL
Distribution: bionet
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 06:32:56 GMT
Lines: 28

In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Tr
avis) writes:
> In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
> : I am a "virgin" bionet user, this is my first message.
> 
> Hello, David + welcome to bionet.plants!
> 
> : Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
> : heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
> : is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
> 
> <some deletions...>
>
--MORE--(54%)

> Ok, everybody - are you interested in discussing heavy metals??
> 

I'd be interested in such a discussion; my current interest would be
taxonomic in nature.  'Fraid I can't make any contribution to such a
discussion at this time, for convoluted reasons, best alluded to by my 
post, "Request: Recruiting/Luring Biologists to the Nets", in sci.bio 
and bionet.general.  That same post would also serve as a belated way 
to introduce myself (I did not do so at the inception of this group, 
for reasons I will style as virginal shyness).

        D.R.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Roller  |    Bitnet = dr@auducvax            |  "Because we're all
Auburn Univ.  |  Internet = dr@ducvax.auburn.edu   |   in this together."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------




Regarding hyperaccumulators, bioremediation, etc.:

See this article:

HARROWSMITH, The Magazine of Country Life
December, 1988
Number 18
Pages 38-47

"The New Alchemist" John Todd: Transforming Waste With a Rare Mettle
By Donella Meadows

-------------------------
From text on pages 43-44:
[quoted without permission]

"The effluent takes five days to wind from one end of the greenhouse to
the other. When it reaches the far end, it is filtered by the artificial
marsh - a gravel bed out of which grows a carefully selected thicket of 
water-loving plants. The marsh plants are chosen because they have 
commercial value (watercress) or pretty blooms (marsh marigold) or known
ability to take up toxic substances (cattails, bulrushes). Organic toxins
are broken down. Heavy metals accumulate in the plants and in any compost
made from the plants. That's a problem, but heavy metals are a problem in
every kind of wastewater treatment plant."
"I learned about these plants from Kathe Seidel at the Max Planck
Institute in West Germany. She's tested 260 plants for purifying ability.
She found that some would take up heavy metals and organic solvents and
even some, like that aquatic iris over there, that exude substances from
their roots that kill pathogenic bacteria. Hardly anyone pays attention to
her work. But she gave me the confidence that we could duplicate nature's 
way of making high-quality water."

 
Article 11236 (123 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
ubject: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 23:15:20 GMT

I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
"hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, 
dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz) writes:

> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11254 (121 more) in rec.gardens:
From: dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Paul Dietz)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 11:52:31 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu writes:

> There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
> tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
> now forgotten.  Maybe uses F- instead of Cl-?????

"Gifblaar".  It makes fluoroacetate ion, a potent inhibitor of the
Krebs cycle.  One mouthful of this plant can kill a sheep.  A related
species makes some other fluorinated acids, also toxic.

Interestingly, another member of this genus is a nickel
hyperaccumulator.

        Paul F. Dietz
        dietz@cs.rochester.edu

Article 11287 (153 more) in rec.gardens:
From: emolinar@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Elizabeth Molinaro)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?Date: 7 Oct 92 18:29:15 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.205925.7361@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
writes:
>In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu
(Paul Dietz) writes:
>> 
>> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
>> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
>> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
>> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
>> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
>> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?
>
>To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
>lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

        I read something about Jimsonweed.
        About a month ago, in the Wall Street Journal, page 1
        Apparently, it hyperaccumulates toxic nuclear (now THAT's
        redundant) wastes...and thrives!!!!

        Elizabeth

From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: 8 Oct 92 18:35:08 -0500

Paul Dietz (with a marvelous memory!) remembered the plant I couldn't--
the one that makes fluoroacetate when grown on soils heavy in fluorine,
and thus becomes toxic to animals.  He also remembered the common name
is "giftblaar", not "giftboom" as I had thought.

Dichapetalum is a BIG genus of 150-200 species of the tropics, particularly
Africa.  It's a member of the family Dichapetalaceae, which may be
related to the Euphorbiaceae, the poinsettia family, according to 
Willis's Dictionary.  Alas, Chiltern Seeds doesn't seem to stock it :-(
------
From:   IN%"dietz@cs.rochester.EDU"  

The genus is Dichapetalum.  The three species to which I referred
are:

        D. cymosum      Makes fluoroacetate
        D. toxicarium   Makes various omega-fluorinated fatty acids
        D. gelonioides  A nickel hyperaccumulator

D. gelonioides doesn't have unusually large amounts of fluorine in
its tissues.  I don't remember if D. toxicarium makes fluoroacetate
as well.
--------
Kay

rec.gardens #10472 
From: A.S. Chamove
Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 19:47:12 1992
Organization: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soils?

Arnold Chamove
Massey University Psychology
Palmerston North, New Zealand


1] Re: Hyperaccumulators
Date: Sun Oct 11 20:53:28 1992
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.
Kay

rticle 11244 (116 more) in rec.gardens:
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
ubject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: 6 Oct 92 20:59:25 -0500

In article <1992Oct6.231520.20515@cs.rochester.edu>, dietz@cs.rochester.edu (Pau l Dietz) writes:
> I just was reading a bit about some plants that are
> "hyperaccumulators": they concentrate normally toxic metals in their
> tissue to an amazing extent (for example, plants that grow on soils
> derived from ultramafic rocks that concentrate nickel in their leaves
> to > 3% of their dry weight).  Are there any plants normally grown in
> gardens that are hyperaccumulators?

To the best of my knowledge, no.  Though you will see such things as
lead accumulating in root crops like carrots.

Most of the "ultra accumulators" are things like locoweeds, which
pick up selenium in sulfur-poor soils, and you actually get selinium
containing amino acids and proteins (i.e., the selenium "spares" the
sulfur).

There is a cute S. African plant I've read of called "giftboom" (poison
tree) that does something rather spectacular with fluorine, which I've
now forgotten.  Maybe uses Fl- instead of Cl-?????

Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI

Article 11249 (115 more) in rec.gardens:
From: london@SunSite.unc.edu (Larry London)
Subject: Re: Hyperaccumulators?
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 05:06:58 GMT

Datura (Jimson Weed) and cattails are reputed to be hyperaccumulators.

Date: 12 Oct 92 00:53:28 GMT

In article <1992Oct11.234712.18978@massey.ac.nz>, 
A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
> Does anyone know of a plant (edible to cows and horses) that will
> concentrate selenium in selenium-deficient soil?

Species of _Astragalus_ and _Oxytropis_ are notorious for this in low-
sulfur soils.  Of course, when the horse or steer gets too much
Se from the locoweeds, you see "moonblindness" and other neurological
symptoms.
Kay

Article 471 (7 more) in bionet.plants:
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1992 15:48:56 EDT
Subject: Re: Heavy Metals and Fruit Trees

cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Clint Potter) Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1992 19:09:08 GMT
Requested info:
> I am after a information on the effects of heavy metals in the soil on fruit
> trees.
> Are metals like Pb and Cd detrimental to the growth of trees like apples,
> peaches and pears?  Is there any research on tolerable concentrations of
> these elements?  Are these metals likely to migrate to the fruit?  What type
> of soil test should be done?  Is total Pb and total Cd adequate?
> Thank you for any information or references.
> Clint Potter cpotter@ncsa.uiuc.edu

Check a recent review article :

       W. H. O. Ernst et al., 1992.  Metal tolerance in plants.
       Acta Botanica Neerlandica 41:229-248.

If it doesn't provide you with the info you need, it may lead you to other
sources in the literature cited.

Mark Kubiske

From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Re: Aquaculture
Date: 20 Oct 1992 09:29:30 GMT

  In reference to Larry London's request for further cites of
publications by New Alchemy and on the subject of 
bioremediation, I have the following from my files:

Solar Aquaculture: perspectives in renewable, resource based
fish production, results for a workshop at Falmouth, Mass.
Sept 28, 1981  supported by the National Science Foundation
New Alchemy Institute.

Bioremediation for marine oil spills.  U.S. Gov Doc.  Office
of Technology Assessment  1991
doc # Y 3.T 22/2:2 B 52.7

Bioremediation of contaminated surface soils by Sims &
Matthews.   EPA  1989    EP 1.23/6:600/9-90/041

National Conference on Bioremediation (1988).  Hazardous
waste treatment by genetically engineered or adapted 
organisms.  Superfund '88.  Silver Springs, MD

Bioremediation of petroleum spills in arctic environments.
Alaska Dept of Transportation  1990

Understanding Bioremediation: a guidebook for citizens.
EPA  1991    doc  EP 1.8:B 52/2

Quick Bibliography Series # 92-47.
Biotechnology and Bioremediation.  National Agricultural
Library   Beltsville MD  1991

Practical environmental bioremediation.  Barry King  
Lewis Publishing   1992.

Article 704 in bionet.plants:
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 09:03:23 EST
Subject: Re: Heavy metals in plants

I'm out of my field here, but I'm somewhat involved in a study here at Penn
State which might at least be interesting, if not relevant to this budding
'heavy metal' discussion.  About 100 years ago in the Eastern US, the
"cahrcoal-iron" industry was pretty big business.  Travelers through
Pennsylvania can still see the huge, stone iron furnaces in state parks and
the like.  The iron workers would fire the furnaces with charcoal which they
produced themselves from the surrounding forests.  One can walk through the
woods almost anywhere in PA and encounter numerous "charcoal hearths" -
elliptical or circular flat areas about 10 to 12 meters across with very
little or no woody vegetation.  The study was designed to try and pin down
why woody vegetation is virtually excluded from these hearths even after 100
years.  I might add that the surrounding woods were heavily logged during
this period, clearcut on 40 year rotations was common.  Needless to say the
woods are growing quite vigerously, but not the hearths.  Tissue-water
relations of test plants (my field) suggest some form of drought stress.
The soil on these hearths is up to 70% organic matter due to charcoal dust
and fragments.  Can there be some heavy metal residue that may have been
concentrated by stacking 10 cords at a time on these hearths and coaling
them?  Some hearths were used very many times over.

Mark Kubiske                < MEK104@PSUVM.PSU.EDU >
School of Forest Resources
Penn State University

Article 708 (1 more) in bionet.plants:
From: BOTSALT@VM.UOGUELPH.CA (david salt)
Subject: heavy metals a few points
Date: 11 Dec 92 22:14:04 GMT

Well I am pleased with the response to my plea for discussion on the topic
of heavy metals and plants.
The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potential
-ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
the vacuole. Once inside the vacuole Cd is bound to the induced peptide
phytochelatins, therebye reducing the Cd's chemical gradient across the
tonoplast and hence reducing the amount of energy required to keep pumping
Cd inside. In oats Cd is transported across the tonoplast via a Cd/H
antiport (presumably driven in vivo by tghe tonoplast H-ATPase or H-PPiase).
Transport of Cd back out across the PM may also be a possibility.
RE Datura: P. Jackson at Los Alamos has done alot of work on the
biochemistry of Cd resistence on Datura innoxia in tissue culture!
IS CADMIUM REALLY SO BAD!!!!!!
a recent article in Nature suggests not!(344, 658-660, 1990)
It would appear that Cd can substitute for Zn in Zn deficient marine diatoms!
Does this explain the slight growth stimulation physiologist have seen (but
not talked about) in Cd tolerence tests using root elongation?
What is Cd doing in the marine diatom? Is it siting in the active site of
catalase or in Zn-fingers?....Any ideas.

Finally are there any biophysicists out there how can explain to me why
crystaline CdS is an interesting semiconductor because the fission yeast
S. pombe makes particles of it when exposed to Cd (and may be also plants)
and AT&T Bell laboratories are interested (Nature 338, 596-597, 1989).

David Salt
Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca

Article 710 in bionet.plants:
From: claird@NeoSoft.com (Cameron Laird)
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 11 Dec 92 14:49:21 GMT

In article <1992Dec10.234216.8446@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> london@sunsite.unc.edu (Larry
 London) writes:
>In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk> you write:
>>In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
                        .
Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
>>: heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
>>: is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
>>I worked for a while at Plymouth Polytechnic (UK) during the early 80's
>>when Lane and Martin were working on uptake of heavy metals by potatos
>>and strawberries, but I'm not sure what they published.
                        .
                        .
>Here's a thread on the subject I've saved over the past several months.
>There is additional material contained in a number of posts in
>alt.sustainable.agriculture, which I've archived. These mostly relate to
>the work of John Todd, formerly of the New Alchemy Institute.
A paper by K. C. Jones et al., *Nature*, 356, 137, 1992,
analyzes secular trends in pollution around Rothamsted
by measuring plants' incorporated burdens of different
pollutants.  The authors' principal concerns were with
organics--PCBs, hydrocarbons--but I think their biblio-
graphy touches on metal uptakes.
                        .
-- 
Cameron Laird
claird@Neosoft.com (claird%Neosoft.com@uunet.uu.net)    +1 713 267 7966
claird@litwin.com (claird%litwin.com@uunet.uu.net)      +1 713 996 8546

Article 713 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Subject: Re: Plant communication/sensing references wanted
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:23:45 GMT

In article <921212201751.MIN-LVICa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: 
:    The subject about says it all: I'm interested in references to literature
:    which explores the capabilities of the plant world with refer712

Article 712 in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
ubject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 12 Dec 92 23:18:36 GMT

In article <921211224901.MIN-LHFCa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
: [...]
: The discussion on hyperaccumulators is interesting but it is important to
: realise that to my knowledge there is no example of a plant which excludes
:metals, all plants appear to accumulate metals to some degree. This is probably
: due to the cationic metal being driven across the PM via the membrame potentia
l
: -ve inside. In tobacco this metal then appears to be compartmentalised within
: [...]

I did some work with benzo-18-crown-6 (a synthetic ionophore) which
demonstrated that accumulation of K+ in the vacuole of stomatal guard
cells was dependent on the permeability of the PM to K+ ions.  The
crown ether is incorporated into the membrane and forms K+ permeable
channels.

The driving force for accumulation of K+ is electrogenic proton
extrusion across the PM/tonoplast.  It seems that accumulation of Cd or
any other cation available would depend on membrane permeability rather
than active transport of the metal itself.

        Tony.
--
Dr. A.J.Travis,                       |  Tony Travis
Rowett Research Institute,            |  JANET: <ajt@uk.ac.sari.rri>
Greenburn Road, Bucksburn,            |  other: <ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk>
Aberdeen, AB2 9SB. UK.                |  phone: 0224-712751

From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk
ubject: Heavy metals
Date: 14 Dec 92 13:13:24 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620
 
 On the subject of hyperaccumulators, work in this lab is investigating the
nature of the complexes formed in these plants with organic acids, in order to
determine whether these provide a possible mechanism of tolerance for the
plant.  

  The levels of metal which these plants accumulate can be huge, Sebertia
accuminata, a tree from New Caledonia, has a latex which conatins, on a dry
weight basis, 26 % nickel.  This is the highest recorded concentration in any
living ( :-) ) organism.  

  I think that the act of hyperaccumulation is related to the site at which the
plant can be found.  We are working on Alyssum spp here, and these can be, and
are regularly grown in gardens in Europe.  We have plants which are known to be
hyperaccumulators, and as control plants we are using garden seeds bought from
--MORE--(88%)

a commercial supplier.  We think that they won't hyperaccumulate, if they do
then....

  Just some interesting info to pass on over the dinner table ( :-) )
End of article 721 (of 722)--what next? [npq] Article 723 in bionet.plants:
From: cunninsd@esvax.dnet.dupont.com

Subject: plants, metals and contaminated sites
Date: 15 Dec 92 15:55:43 GMT
Distribution: bionet

       This is my first time on this network, but I heard a
discussion of heavy metals in plants was underway, so I 
thought I'd join in. Here at DuPont we have an active 
research program in using plants toremediate contaminated 
soils. For this effort we  have borrowed a term I first heard
used by Ilya Raskin at Rutgers' and called it 
"Phytoremediation". 

        We define phytoremediation as the use of green plants to
remove, contain, or render harmless an environmental 
contaminant.  This definition applies to all plant-influenced
biological, chemical, and physical processes that aid in site
remediation. Although our particular current research 
emphasis is the remediation of lead-contaminated soils, we 
are interested in most other metals and organics as well.  
Simply described, we propose to farm hazardous waste sites, 
biomine the metal contaminants, and reclaim the metals 
through postharvest processing of the biomass. We consider 
the entire process to have multiple, but interdependent 
components. For the technology to be useful each component 
must be sound technically and economically, and must be 
acceptable from a regulatory perspective. Our efforts in 
phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils address all of 
these areas. I thought I would venture some general comments
on the area and see what reaction they brought.

        Although metal tolerant plants are relatively common, 
most do not accumulate significant quantities of metal in the
above ground biomass. Our metal-removal goals are ambitious,
paralleling removal rates of plant nutrients such as 
nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.  For plant-based 
decontamination to be sucessful, we must find, breed or 
engineer plants that absorb, translocate and tolerate these
metals. These three processes are separate, distinct and, in
some plants, mutually exclusive.(ie tolerance can be obtained
by lack of translocation etc.) We have found that 
combinations of any two processes in one plant are relatively
easy to find.  All three processes, working efficiently in a 
single plant with sufficient biomass to acheive the necessary 
metal-removal rates, will be more difficult to achieve. 

        The discovery or development of such plants might be 
assumed to be infeasible if it were not for the existence of
the hyperaccumulators that have been mentioned on this 
network. These naturally-occurring plants can be found 
growing on ore outcroppings and have spectacular metal-uptake
capacities. The sap of one tree has been mentioned previously
to have concentrations of Ni in excess of 25% dry weight. 
Alan Baker (Sheffield) lists plants with concentrations in 
excess of 1%  Cu and Co and 3% Zn, Ni, and Mn on a dry weight
basis.  Lead levels, although lower,  have been reported as 
high as 8,200 ppm in these plants. We are looking at these 
hyperaccumulators for potential remediation uses, however, 
due to their low growth habits and small biomass, they would
seem to be agronomically and climatically unsuited for 
phytoremediation of most sites. A breeding program to 
increase biomass and metals content is a long-term, crop-
development strategy that could be undertaken. Molecular 
biology, however, may offer valuable shortcuts !!! - (Check 
with your patent attorney, before you release it as this 
plant can have real and significant value)

        Parallel to our efforts with hyperaccumulators, we have
been exploring lead-contaminated sites for plants that 
accumulate lead. Our goal is to find, manipulate, and extend
the lead-uptake limits of these plants. We have collected and
analyzed many plants from Superfund, mining, and other
industrial sites in search of appropriate germplasm. Of the
plants we have analyzed to date, two plants have shown 
significant abilities to accumulate lead. These are hemp 
dogbane (Apocynum sp.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia sp.). 
Their lead accumulation abilities are considerable, but not 
consistent, however, across soils. Most metals, and lead in 
particular, have numerous forms in the soil, not all of which
are equally available for plant uptake.

        Manipulating the chemistry of the soil to maximize lead
removal requires balancing plant-nutritional requirements for
biomass production with the availiability of lead for uptake
by plants. We have found these to be often competing 
processes. Maximizing lead availability requires a lower pH 
and low solution levels of phosphate and sulfate, which 
directly impacts total plant biomass produced. The plant-
nutritional status of the soil must be continuously balanced
against the lead-availability status to maximize total lead 
removal.

        Pb occurs in all of the physicochemical forms measured
in a sequential extraction of contaminated soils, including
water-soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, 
carbonate, oxyhydroxide, organic, and other forms.  
Experiments have confirmed, however, that there are wide 
differences between soils in these Pb forms and in the 
ability of plants to pick up the metal in question.

        I would be interested in general comments on the 
approach, names of others working in the area, etc. etc..

Article 727 (2 more) in bionet.plants:
From: dr@ducvax.auburn.edu
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 06:32:56 GMT

In article <1992Dec10.153700.17634@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Tr
avis) writes:
> In article <92129225625.MIN-LVLBa00330.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> you wrote:
> : I am a "virgin" bionet user, this is my first message.
> 
> Hello, David + welcome to bionet.plants!
> 
> : Is there anybody out there who is interested in how plants deal with
> : heavy metals (ie Cd, Cu, Zn etc....yes O.K you know what a heavy metal
> : is). Perhaps were could have a meaningful dialogue?
> Ok, everybody - are you interested in discussing heavy metals??

I'd be interested in such a discussion; my current interest would be
taxonomic in nature.  'Fraid I can't make any contribution to such a
discussion at this time, for convoluted reasons, best alluded to by my 
post, "Request: Recruiting/Luring Biologists to the Nets", in sci.bio 
and bionet.general.  That same post would also serve as a belated way 
to introduce myself (I did not do so at the inception of this group, 
for reasons I will style as virginal shyness).

David Roller  |    Bitnet = dr@auducvax            |  "Because we're all
Auburn Univ.  |  Internet = dr@ducvax.auburn.edu   |   in this together."

bionet.plants:
From: donachie@vax.oxford.ac.uk
Subject: Re: heavy metals a few points
Date: 16 Dec 92 22:51:38 GMT

 Cadmium

   In humans and animals Cd interfers with Cu and Zn metabolism.  It competes
with Zn for sites in metalloenzymes that require Zn for function.  It also
blocks sulphydral groups.  

   Interestingly, on the point of Cd competing for Zn sites most metalloenzymes
that require Zn show partial activity if Cd is substituted back in.  Mn, Ni and
Co, can also achieve this effect, with Co being the least disruptive.  

  So my guess is that with Zn deficiency, Cd can reactivate the
Zn-metalloenzymes, and Co would work even better!!!
 
 Kev

Newsgroups: bionet.plants,alt.sustainable.agriculture
From: london@sunSITE.unc.edu (Larry London)
Summary: 260 plants tested for purifiying ability
Keywords: Kathe Seidel of Max Planck Institute
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 07:30:06 GMT

Regarding hyperaccumulators, bioremediation, etc.:

See this article:

HARROWSMITH, The Magazine of Country Life
December, 1988
Number 18
Pages 38-47

"The New Alchemist" John Todd: Transforming Waste With a Rare Mettle
By Donella Meadows

-------------------------
From text on pages 43-44:
[quoted without permission]

"The effluent takes five days to wind from one end of the greenhouse to
the other. When it reaches the far end, it is filtered by the artificial
marsh - a gravel bed out of which grows a carefully selected thicket of 
water-loving plants. The marsh plants are chosen because they have 
commercial value (watercress) or pretty blooms (marsh marigold) or known
ability to take up toxic substances (cattails, bulrushes). Organic toxins
are broken down. Heavy metals accumulate in the plants and in any compost
made from the plants. That's a problem, but heavy metals are a problem in
every kind of wastewater treatment plant."
"I learned about these plants from Kathe Seidel at the Max Planck
Institute in West Germany. She's tested 260 plants for purifying ability.
She found that some would take up heavy metals and organic solvents and
even some, like that aquatic iris over there, that exude substances from
their roots that kill pathogenic bacteria. Hardly anyone pays attention to
her work. But she gave me the confidence that we could duplicate nature's 
way of making high-quality water."

----------------------
Lawrence
london@sunsite.unc.edu

Article 735 (8 more) in bionet.plants:
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Subject: Re: A big hello
Date: 16 Dec 92 23:25:37 GMT

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

Welcome to the group, David.

I'm glad that people are beginning to participate actively on the
bionet.plants group.  As plant biologists we have a lot to learn from
the molecular biologists experience of using the network, but we are
getting there gradually.

The essence of Usenet, for me, is the informal contact we make with
each other by posting to a group such as this.  I began the discussions
on bionet.plants by asking people to introduce themselves and describe
their area of interest.

So, tell us something about your interest in heavy metals and taxonomy?

Ok, what am I interested in . My main interest is in how plants are able
to tolerate elevated levels of heavy metals and specifically what is the
mechanism of metals tolerance in evolved metal tolerant races. I have
looked at the formation of copper-phytochelatin (gamma(EC)nG) and
metallothionein (the protein I isolated had an amino acid composition very
similar to that predicted for the plant metallothionein gene) in copper
tolerant Mimulus guttatus inresponse to 10 micro molar Cu and the synthesis
of just phytochelatins in response to Cd. Recently I have been looking at the
mechanism involved in Cd and phytochelatin transport into the vacuole where
they appear to accumulate. I have identified a Cd/H antiport activity at the
tonoplast and am now investigateing the mechanisms of phytochelatin transport.
Well in a nut shell that is what I do.

David Salt
Botany Dept.
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada  (Botsalt@vm.uoguelph.ca)


Fri, 18 Dec 1992 13:29:28 -0700
"Tony C. Tweedale" <es__act@SELWAY.UMT.EDU>
Re: cleaning products
To: Multiple recipients of list BIOSPH-L <BIOSPH-L@UBVM.cc.buffalo.edu>

On Thu, 17 Dec 1992, Rumen with a View wrote:

> C. Hanlon has requested info on cleaning compounds.  Perhaps someone out there
> can enlighten me as well.  There seems to be a common perception "out there"
> that commercial detergents are less environmentally friendly than old
 fashioned
> cleaners that grandma used, like borax.
>
> Most commercial soaps are primarily sodium lauryl sulfate or
> similar fatty acid salts.  Since medium chain fatty acids are easily
 metabolized
> by microbes, the primary ingredients don't strike me as being particularly
> threatening.
>
> Borax, on the other hand, is a reasonably toxic element for mammals.
> Acceptable maximum tolerable levels for domestic animals:
>
> boron        150 ppm
> selenium       2 ppm
> mercury      2-3 ppm
> strontium  2,000 ppm
> chromium   1,000 ppm
> cadmium       0.5 ppm
> manganese    400 ppm (swine)
> uranium      400 ppm (rats)
>
> These numbers are subject to other mineral interactions and species variation.
> However, I don't know of anyone who would suggest washing clothes in uranium
> salts even if it were an effective cleaner.
>
> Lyle Rode
> Nutritionist
> Agriculture Canada

a reply:

synthetic detergents were at one time composed largely of branched long
chain "fatty acids". bugs could not eat their way around the side chains
and so the detergents did not degrade (does that cause a nutrients
problem--i guess not, that's due to inputs of phosphor in the cleaning
agents?).

and what about these new citrus oil solvents that are meant to be super
effective, ie can be used to replace industrial strength solvents eg
methylene chloride, cfc's, toluene, etc. (down w. chlorine!). i understand
they are terpene molecular units that do the cleaning (ie are the reactive
molecule in the formulation). take it they are similar to old fashioned
turpentine. degradable? toxicity (chronic, acute)?

Sat 20 Feb 93  9:10
By: ALLAN BALLIETT
Re: New Alchemy/Ocean Arks

Here's documentation from the founder himself, John Todd, that New
Alchemy is dead, but the spirit goes on living and WORKING towards a
sustainable future!

==================================================

January 1 993

Dear Friends of New Alchemy

As you know, last summer the New Alchemy Institute officially closed
its doors. You may also know, however, that neither the vision nor the
work that began there have been lost. With the founding of Ocean Arks
International in 1983. there began a new phase in the research and
implementation of the ideas that first took form at New Alchemy.

Like New Alchemy, Ocean Arks was founded by John Todd and Nancy Jack
Todd and is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated
to the creation and dissemination of the thinking and the technologies
fundamental to a sustainable future. Drawing on what we learned of the
ecology of aquatic ecosystems at New Alchemy, we since have created a
family of living technologies that now are restoring waters polluted
by human and industrial wastes to drinking water standards.

Working through The Center for the Restoration of waters at Ocean
Arks, we have created one of the most advanced ecologically engineered
waste treatment systems in the world which, after a few years of
extensive verification, is now legally permitted in two states. We
have begun to restore a highly polluted pond in Massachusetts w ith
our new floating Living Machine, Lake Restorer 1, opening a channel
for its use on water bodies the world over. Our Providence, RI and
Marion, Me research facilities have been making ground-breaking
discoveries in purifying industrial and toxic wastes. We have
demonstrated, on a laboratory scale, that Living Machines can break
down such highly toxic wastes as those found in Chattanooga Creek, for
which we have attracted the attention of Vice President-elect Al Gore.
We have also received continuing support from Congressman Gerry Studds
and Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Joe Kennedy and
Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island, to name a few, giving us a strong
vote of encouragement with the political leaders in Washington. Our
education program is reaching professionals and students with courses
in ecological design skills, aquaculture, food production, waste
treatment and environmental repair. Recently, we were granted the
Discover Award for Technological Innovation and the Teddy Roosevelt
Conservation Award by President Bush.

We have managed not only to survive but to move ahead with these
developments during a period when the environment was a low priority
in the eyes of government and most industry. But we have done so at
the cost of incurring considerable debt believing that the ideas were
too important to let die. Now, with the renewed promise of the
incoming administration and because of your support for New Alchemy
over the years, we are again turning to you to ask you to remain a
part of keeping its mission alive.

If you were willing, each of you could help us in some way. It would
be wonderful if you would consider any of the following suggestions:

1. Contribute towards a debt reduction fund or to our general support.
2. Help us to create an endowment, which would secure a future for our
work.
3. Help us find customers/clients in industry and in various
communities who need help cleaning up pollution and repairing
environments. Living Machines can upgrade drinking water reservoirs,
restore polluted water bodies and purify wastewaters.
4. Help spread the word. Subscribe to our publication, "Annals of Earth" an
updated equivalent of the old "Journals of the New Alchemists " .

1992 was a tough year for us. Salaries weren't always paid, yet our
morale remained high. We are a committed and talented organization -
dedicated to the Earth and to the training of its stewards. We are
ready with the skills and technologies to make things happen. It is
our hope that there will be a new environmental agenda over the next
decade and we want to play a key role in it. Please help us.

Sincerely,

John Todd, president

P.S. Your contribution is tax deductible. We now accept MC/VISA and
American Express.

================================================== Annals of Earth

The exchange of ideas feeds the roots of new thought. To this end the
Center for the Restoration of Waters publishes "Annals of Earth" to
disseminate the ideas and practice of ecological sustainability
throughout the world. It seeks, through written communication, to
foster the emergence of a new global culture. Published 3 times
yearly, "Annals" has an international roster of scholarly,
philosophical and ecological writers who deal with planetary issues
from a wide range of perspectives. While "Annals" covers and
chronicles the Center's activities, it also publishes articles that
range in subject from the philosophy of ecology, basic biology, hands
on environmental projects, to the Gaia Hypothesis. Distributed
world-wide, "Annals" is an intellectual forum for the presentation of
leading edge environmental thought.

A Publication Of Ocean Arks International and the Lindisfarne
Association Volume X, Number 2, 1992


$? Contribution
$15 Student/unwaged member
$30 Individual member
$35 Canadian member
$ 40 Foreign member
$ 50 Family member
$100 Supporting member $1000 Patron member

Membership includes subscription to "Annals", course announcements and
contributes to the work of OAI. Please make checks payable to Ocean
Arks International. We now accept MC/VISA & American Express. To renew
by phone, please call 508-510-6801.

  A Publication of Ocean Arks International and The Lindisfarne
Association

  OCEAN ARKS INTERNATIONAL

 * Origin: The Twilight Clone (1:109/70.914)

Article 1009 of bionet.plants:
Path: samba!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!msuinfo!netnews.upenn.edu!vbell
From: vbell@mail.sas.upenn.edu (Vance Bell)
Newsgroups: bionet.plants
Subject: The Use of Plants to Treat Wastewater
Message-ID: <114049@netnews.upenn.edu>
Date: 16 Mar 93 20:02:59 GMT
Sender: news@netnews.upenn.edu
Organization: University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences
Lines: 17
Nntp-Posting-Host: mail.sas.upenn.edu

I am greatly interested in the possiblity of using plants, and/or entire
ecosystems to treat wastewaste.  I understand that work on this has been
attempted in Northern California; Sugarbush, Vermont; Louisiana; Cape May,
Massachussetts, and possibly other places.

I would greatly appreciate any references on this type of research.

The main source I presently have is an article on the New Alchemy
Institute, in Massachussetts, and a man named John Todd who has apparently
founded a company to promote the "technology."

Citations of reference books on plant abilities to sequester metals, or
treat water would also be helpful.

Thank You.

Vance Bell: vbell@mail.sas.upenn.edu


Article 1012 of bionet.plants:
Path: samba!concert!rock!stanford.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!uunet!biosci!daresbury!daresbury!ajt
From: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis)
Newsgroups: bionet.plants
Subject: Re: The Use of Plants to Treat Wastewater
Message-ID: <1993Mar17.131425.4355@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>
Date: 17 Mar 93 13:14:08 GMT
References: <93316214655.MIN-LRFAa00360.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury>
Sender: list-admin@daresbury.ac.uk
Reply-To: ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk
Distribution: bionet
Organization: Rowett Research Institute
Lines: 22
Apparently-To: <plantbio@daresbury>
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL7]

Vance Bell (vbell@edu.upenn.sas.mail) wrote:
: I am greatly interested in the possiblity of using plants, and/or entire
: ecosystems to treat wastewaste.  I understand that work on this has been
: attempted in Northern California; Sugarbush, Vermont; Louisiana; Cape May,
: Massachussetts, and possibly other places.

I don't have any references, Vance :-(

.... but a lot of work has been done on the water hiacynth (Eichhornia)
which apparently thrives when growing on all sorts of waste/polluted
water, and improves the quality of the water in the process.

I think there was a project to use the plant material produced, but I'm
uncertain what for because accumulation of toxic substances would make
it useless for feeding animals.

	Tony.
-- 
Dr. A.J.Travis,                       |  JANET: <ajt@uk.ac.sari.rri>
Rowett Research Institute,            |  other: <ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk>
Greenburn Road, Bucksburn,            |  phone: +44 (0)224 712751
Aberdeen, AB2 9SB. UK.                |    fax: +44 (0)224 715349


Article 1013 of bionet.plants:
Newsgroups: bionet.plants
Path: samba!concert!rock!stanford.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!uunet!newsgate.watson.ibm.com!yktnews.watson.ibm.com!clarke
From: clarke@watson.ibm.com (Ed Clarke)
Subject: Re: The Use of Plants to Treat Wastewater
Sender: news@watson.ibm.com (NNTP News Poster)
Message-ID: <C41EpC.Aqs@watson.ibm.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1993 14:24:48 GMT
Distribution: bionet
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM.
References: <93316214655.MIN-LRFAa00360.bionet-news@uk.ac.daresbury> <1993Mar17.131425.4355@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>
Nntp-Posting-Host: lethe.watson.ibm.com
Organization: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
Lines: 17

In article <1993Mar17.131425.4355@gserv1.dl.ac.uk>, ajt@rri.sari.ac.uk (Tony Travis) writes:
|> Vance Bell (vbell@edu.upenn.sas.mail) wrote:
|> : I am greatly interested in the possiblity of using plants, and/or entire
|> : ecosystems to treat wastewaste.  I understand that work on this has been
|> : attempted in Northern California; Sugarbush, Vermont; Louisiana; Cape May,
|> : Massachussetts, and possibly other places.
|> I don't have any references, Vance :-(
|> .... but a lot of work has been done on the water hiacynth (Eichhornia)
|> which apparently thrives when growing on all sorts of waste/polluted
|> water, and improves the quality of the water in the process.

Disney-World in Orlando, FL is using plants to process their waste water.
I'm sure they would be glad to give you references ... good public
relations and all that.

Ed Clarke
clarke@watson.ibm.com


Article 1017 of bionet.plants:
Path: samba!concert!rock!stanford.edu!agate!biosci!UCRVM2.bitnet!VJIMENEZ
From: VJIMENEZ@UCRVM2.bitnet ("Victor M. Jimenez")
Newsgroups: bionet.plants
Subject: Re: The Use of Plants to Treat Wastewater
Message-ID: <9303172350.AA09136@net.bio.net>
Date: 17 Mar 93 23:50:40 GMT
References: <vbell@mail.sas.upenn.edu>
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Distribution: bionet
Organization: Universidad de Costa Rica
Lines: 19

Vance:

    I have no references, but I've heard that at the Instituto Tecnologico de
Costa Rica there is some people working in the matter.  Using the
water hyacint (don't really know how to write it, sorry).  You can try to
contact Juan Carlos Carvajal (jccarvaj@ucrvm2.bitnet) who is the manager at
that institute, and ask him to put in contact with the people who is working
in that project.

Good luck,

Victor

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
VICTOR M. JIMENEZ              VJIMENEZ@UCRVM2.BITNET
CIGRAS                         TEL. (506)-24-8554
UNIVERSIDAD DE COSTA RICA      FAX. (506)-53-3762
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Article 1019 of bionet.plants:
Path: samba!concert!uvaarpa!darwin.sura.net!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!ames!haven.umd.edu!uunet!biosci!esvax.dnet.dupont.com!cunninsd
From: cunninsd@esvax.dnet.dupont.com
Newsgroups: bionet.plants
Subject: plant-based, wastewater treatment systems
Message-ID: <9303181515.AA06685@esds01.es.dupont.com>
Date: 18 Mar 93 15:14:57 GMT
Sender: daemon@net.bio.net
Distribution: bionet
Lines: 65

Wastewater treatment with plants is a well established discipline,
but with recent advances in genetic engineering and the tightening
of certain regulations (including POTW discharge limits, storm
drain run off, etc.) it is being revisted by new techniques. 

Some random thoughts:

1.  A good review of the engineering component might be found in 
chapter 13 "Land Treatment" of WASTEWATER ENGINEERING: 
TREATMENT, DISPOSAL AND REUSE.  Revised by George Tchobanoglous.  
Published by McGraw-Hill Book Company.  Plants/crops have been 
used as a land treatment system since the 1880's.  

2.  Specific literature searches on the subject /or following people 
will also give quite a list of excellent references:

 B. C. Wolverton-  reed beds, aquatic plants, constructed wetlands
he is now with Wolverton Environmental (601) 799-3807

Reinhold Kickuth  (Germany)- aquatic plant filter beds -lots of good 
papers & research.

R.F. Stott - (try Letters in Applied Microbiology, 1991 12, 99-105 
"Sewage treatment with plants")

USEPA (1988) document- Design Manual- Constructed Wetlands and 
Aquatic Plant Systems for Municipal Wastewater Treatment, EPA 
625/11-88/022

3.  There are many companies that promote, sell, or install plant-
based, wastewater treatment systems.  Some are listed below, but there are many
more:

The Lemna Corp- St. Paul Minn. (612) 688-8813
BBI-Charles Town W.V (304) 725-6880
EEA -Marion, Mass. (508) 748-3224
Phragmitech inc- Cheneville, Quebec (819) 428-3640
Severn Trent (Coventry, CV3 6PR- IN UK) -M.B. Green  
   they are installing 100's of reed bed systems and seem to have   
   done a good job on the engineering parameter.
Environmental Engineering Consultants, Norwich, Vt 05055

4.  As an overall comment- the design, supporting matrix (soil, etc),
plant species and rates of degradation can all be improved by the R & 
D community. Degradation of toxins by the plants, and plant-
associated microbes is a relatively "hot" topic currently under
examination in a dozen labs. There is some excellent work being done
in this area at Federal, State and University labs. 

5. A couple of conferences to note with plant & Xenobiotic 
degradation components are:  

Meeting of the Air and Waste Management Assoc Denver June 13-18
Congress on Cell and Tissue Culture, San Diego June 5-9
ACS Meeting- Chicago Aug 22-27 A symposium on rhizosphere     
      degradation
Water Environment Federation Meeting (Fall)
Soils Science Society of America (Fall) 


The standard disclaimer applies about these not being corporate 
opinions, just mine.  There is quite a lot of information out there on
the flux of chemicals through this systems, plant uptake,
degradative capacity of plants, etc...  There is a lot of room for good
inovative botany/microbiology/hydrology etc. 



From london@calypso Wed Jan 26 16:44:50 1994
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 16:40:45 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: soil-test.for.heavy-metals

Article 22027 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Lead from Paint
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: samba.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.470.2552.0N41B8F9@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 93 00:00:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City BBS 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 72

Ebf@Cbnewst.Cb.Att.Com to All - Sunday, August 29th:

on August 29, 19 92 Discussing: Lead from Paint

E>Message-ID: <CCHH1u.9tz@cbnewst.cb.att.com>
 >Newsgroup: rec.gardens
 >Organization: AT&T

E>My VERY old house was power washed 2 years ago,
 >and lead paint made its way into the soil

E>Tomatoes are growing within 6 feet of the house --
 >is it possible for the plants to take up the lead
 >from the soil and  deposit the lead in the tomato fruits?

E>Is there a way to cheaply test for lead concentration
 >in the soil or in the tomatoes themselves?

There is no inexpensive test for lead concentration in soil that I know
of. Water is a different matter, but soil no. The cost is in the setting
up and preparation of the sample. Once set up, it is easy to test for
additional heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, chromium, etc. I would
expect the test to run upwards of $200.

There are two levels of lead of concern, Parts Per Million (PPM) and
extractable, or leachable lead. The EPA hazardous level for lead is 5000
PPM, the leachable level is 5. There is virtually no chance that your
lead is in a leachable form since it is from paint, so there is no point
even running the leach test.

Background lead levels will run from 50 PPM up to 250 PPM. Soils near
traffic areas will typically be high around 500 PPM from lead from
gasoline. Even with the lead removed, it is still in the soil from years
ago. Lead does not typically migrate and it certainly does not decay
into something else. Once it is there, it is always there.

Lead limits in sludges and compost are set at either 500 PPM or 1000 PPM
before the sludge must be landfilled rather than used beneficially. Even
more of concern is the total pounds of lead added to the soil per acre,
since compost and sludge are diluted with the topsoil, but accumulate
over years.

There is little to do with lead contaminated soil other than to remove
it and bury it somewhere where it will not erode or grow crops, such as
a landfill. From paint sources, the lead will typically be in the
surface few inches as it is a large element and does not migrate
through the soil quickly. If you scraped off the old soil a few inches
deep, where the paint was or accumulated, you will have removed most of
it. Send it to a conventional sanitary landfill, possibly a demolition
fill. Do not spade or till it into the soil, as that only makes for more
topsoil that must be removed.

Lead does not readily accumulate in plants. Its problem comes in root
vegetables where it is adhered to the root as a part of the topsoil. The
more serious problem is children eating lead paint chips or the soil
itself, a phenomenon known as the "pica" syndrome. Lead can also be
breathed as a dust, and surprisingly, the skin absorbs lead quickly.
Much has been made of lead in drinking water. So the pathway to the body
is direct, rather than secondary through plants.

I hope this information helps.

Mr Compost~~~


Jim~~~

Granite Cities BBS 612-654-8372-HST 654-0678 v.32bis

e-mail jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * August 30th - Sure, when... OINK FLAP OINK FLAP... Well I'll be damned!



 

From london@calypso Wed Jan 26 16:44:24 1994
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 1994 16:40:30 -0500
From: Larry London <london@calypso>
To: london@sunsite.unc.edu
Subject: lead-contamination.in.soil

Article 22027 of rec.gardens:
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Lead from Paint
From: jim.mcnelly@gcbb.granite.mn.org (Jim Mcnelly)
Path: samba.oit.unc.edu!concert!news-feed-1.peachnet.edu!umn.edu!uum1!gcbbgw!gcbb!jim.mcnelly
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <36.470.2552.0N41B8F9@gcbb.granite.mn.org>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 93 00:00:00 +0600
Organization: Granite City BBS 612-654-8372 hst 656-0678 v.32bis
Lines: 72

Ebf@Cbnewst.Cb.Att.Com to All - Sunday, August 29th:

on August 29, 19 92 Discussing: Lead from Paint

E>Message-ID: <CCHH1u.9tz@cbnewst.cb.att.com>
 >Newsgroup: rec.gardens
 >Organization: AT&T

E>My VERY old house was power washed 2 years ago,
 >and lead paint made its way into the soil

E>Tomatoes are growing within 6 feet of the house --
 >is it possible for the plants to take up the lead
 >from the soil and  deposit the lead in the tomato fruits?

E>Is there a way to cheaply test for lead concentration
 >in the soil or in the tomatoes themselves?

There is no inexpensive test for lead concentration in soil that I know
of. Water is a different matter, but soil no. The cost is in the setting
up and preparation of the sample. Once set up, it is easy to test for
additional heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, chromium, etc. I would
expect the test to run upwards of $200.

There are two levels of lead of concern, Parts Per Million (PPM) and
extractable, or leachable lead. The EPA hazardous level for lead is 5000
PPM, the leachable level is 5. There is virtually no chance that your
lead is in a leachable form since it is from paint, so there is no point
even running the leach test.

Background lead levels will run from 50 PPM up to 250 PPM. Soils near
traffic areas will typically be high around 500 PPM from lead from
gasoline. Even with the lead removed, it is still in the soil from years
ago. Lead does not typically migrate and it certainly does not decay
into something else. Once it is there, it is always there.

Lead limits in sludges and compost are set at either 500 PPM or 1000 PPM
before the sludge must be landfilled rather than used beneficially. Even
more of concern is the total pounds of lead added to the soil per acre,
since compost and sludge are diluted with the topsoil, but accumulate
over years.

There is little to do with lead contaminated soil other than to remove
it and bury it somewhere where it will not erode or grow crops, such as
a landfill. From paint sources, the lead will typically be in the
surface few inches as it is a large element and does not migrate
through the soil quickly. If you scraped off the old soil a few inches
deep, where the paint was or accumulated, you will have removed most of
it. Send it to a conventional sanitary landfill, possibly a demolition
fill. Do not spade or till it into the soil, as that only makes for more
topsoil that must be removed.

Lead does not readily accumulate in plants. Its problem comes in root
vegetables where it is adhered to the root as a part of the topsoil. The
more serious problem is children eating lead paint chips or the soil
itself, a phenomenon known as the "pica" syndrome. Lead can also be
breathed as a dust, and surprisingly, the skin absorbs lead quickly.
Much has been made of lead in drinking water. So the pathway to the body
is direct, rather than secondary through plants.

I hope this information helps.

Mr Compost~~~


Jim~~~

Granite Cities BBS 612-654-8372-HST 654-0678 v.32bis

e-mail jim.mcnelly@granite.mn.org
---
 * August 30th - Sure, when... OINK FLAP OINK FLAP... Well I'll be damned!



 


Fri, 18 Dec 1992 13:29:28 -0700
"Tony C. Tweedale" <es__act@SELWAY.UMT.EDU>
Re: cleaning products
To: Multiple recipients of list BIOSPH-L <BIOSPH-L@UBVM.cc.buffalo.edu>

On Thu, 17 Dec 1992, Rumen with a View wrote:

> C. Hanlon has requested info on cleaning compounds.  Perhaps someone out there
> can enlighten me as well.  There seems to be a common perception "out there"
> that commercial detergents are less environmentally friendly than old
 fashioned
> cleaners that grandma used, like borax.
>
> Most commercial soaps are primarily sodium lauryl sulfate or
> similar fatty acid salts.  Since medium chain fatty acids are easily
 metabolized
> by microbes, the primary ingredients don't strike me as being particularly
> threatening.
>
> Borax, on the other hand, is a reasonably toxic element for mammals.
> Acceptable maximum tolerable levels for domestic animals:
>
> boron        150 ppm
> selenium       2 ppm
> mercury      2-3 ppm
> strontium  2,000 ppm
> chromium   1,000 ppm
> cadmium       0.5 ppm
> manganese    400 ppm (swine)
> uranium      400 ppm (rats)
>
> These numbers are subject to other mineral interactions and species variation.
> However, I don't know of anyone who would suggest washing clothes in uranium
> salts even if it were an effective cleaner.
>
> Lyle Rode
> Nutritionist
> Agriculture Canada

a reply:

synthetic detergents were at one time composed largely of branched long
chain "fatty acids". bugs could not eat their way around the side chains
and so the detergents did not degrade (does that cause a nutrients
problem--i guess not, that's due to inputs of phosphor in the cleaning
agents?).

and what about these new citrus oil solvents that are meant to be super
effective, ie can be used to replace industrial strength solvents eg
methylene chloride, cfc's, toluene, etc. (down w. chlorine!). i understand
they are terpene molecular units that do the cleaning (ie are the reactive
molecule in the formulation). take it they are similar to old fashioned
turpentine. degradable? toxicity (chronic, acute)?
