Kits for determining sediment and pore water toxicity with dormant zooplankton having dormant life stage
Inventors
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Assignees
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Member
University of North Carolina WilmingtonThe University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a top doctoral and research institution located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Established in 1947, UNCW has grown to serve nearly 18,000 students and employs about 2,500 staff. The university is dedicated to providing a powerful academic experience that fosters creative inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful expression in a beautiful coastal setting. UNCW is committed to educational excellence, community engagement, and global connections, making it a vibrant part of the southeastern North Carolina community. UNCW also emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression and mutual respect within its diverse community.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a top doctoral and research institution located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Established in 1947, UNCW has grown to serve nearly 18,000 students and employs about 2,500 staff. The university is dedicated to providing a powerful academic experience that fosters creative inquiry, critical thinking, and thoughtful expression in a beautiful coastal setting. UNCW is committed to educational excellence, community engagement, and global connections, making it a vibrant part of the southeastern North Carolina community. UNCW also emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression and mutual respect within its diverse community.
Publication Number
US-10267782-B2
Publication Date
2019-04-23
Expiration Date
2036-06-02
Abstract
The present disclosure provides methods for determining the toxicity of fresh-water and marine sediments and sediment pore water containing indigenous or introduced toxicants from each as a one-time analysis and/or for analysis over a period of time. The present disclosure further provides kits assembled for the afore-mentioned determination. The methods and kits of the present disclosure can be used for analyzing sediment and pore water samples from, among other locations, all environments where species having a dormant life stage may exist including, for example, natural zooplankton.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and kits for determining the toxicity of indigenous or introduced toxicants in fresh-water and marine sediments, sediment pore water, and terrestrial samples. These methods involve mixing dormant embryos of at least one species having a dormant life stage, typically zooplankton, with a sediment or pore water sample under anoxic or other controlled conditions that maintain dormancy, then hatching the species and observing the developmental outcome, such as deformity or mortality.
The problem addressed by this invention is the lack of methods for determining the chronic toxicity of sediments and pore water to dormant invertebrates over an extended period of time. Existing tests are limited to active or developing animals and are restricted in duration due to the physiological needs of these active invertebrates. Prior to this invention, there appeared to be no method available for evaluating the toxicity of sediment and/or pore water to dormant invertebrates for prolonged observation.
The invention also provides assembled kits that include components such as a plurality of embryos of at least one species having a dormant life stage, dry salt packages (artificial freshwater or seawater mix), incubation containers for inducing or maintaining dormancy, and sterile receptacles for hatching and testing. These kits may further comprise optional materials for separating embryos from sediment or pore water, such as sucrose or other osmolytes, filters or sieves, centrifuge tubes, and instructions for use.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent, each directed to a kit for determining the toxicity of sediment or sediment pore water containing indigenous or supplemented toxicants. The main inventive features are outlined below.
Kit for determining toxicity of sediment samples using dormant life stage embryos
The kit comprises: - A plurality of embryos of at least one species having a dormant life stage. - At least one dry salt package selected from the group consisting of artificial freshwater mix and artificial seawater mix. - At least one incubation container used to induce or maintain dormancy of the species having a dormant life stage. - A sterile receptacle for hatching the species having a dormant life stage.
Kit for determining toxicity of sediment pore water using dormant life stage embryos
The kit comprises: - A plurality of embryos of at least one species having a dormant life stage. - At least one dry salt package selected from the group consisting of artificial fresh water mix and artificial seawater mix. - At least one container used to induce or maintain dormancy of the at least one species having a dormant life stage. - A sterile receptacle for hatching the at least one species having a dormant life stage.
The inventive features focus on kit compositions for sediment and pore water toxicity testing, utilizing dormant life stage embryos, appropriate incubation and hatching containers, and environment-matching reconstitution salts.
Stated Advantages
Allows for determination of sediment and pore water toxicity over an extended period of time using dormant invertebrates.
Overcomes the duration limitations of previous toxicity tests that use only active or developing animals.
Documented Applications
Analyzing sediment and pore water samples from all environments where species having a dormant life stage may exist, including fresh-water, marine, and terrestrial locations.
Demonstrating toxicity tests in educational settings such as primary or secondary school demonstrations.
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