Public Evaluation of Fish Tainting from Pulp and Paper Mill Discharges

1992 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
C. G. Jardine
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Salmo Gairdneri ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
Public Advisory ◽  
St Lawrence River

As part of the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) programs for the St. Lawrence and Spanish Rivers in Ontario, Canada, tainting evaluations were conducted using members of the Public Advisory Committees (PACs) and the RAP teams. Triangle test sensory evaluations were conducted on caged rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) exposed insitu upstream and downstream of the pulp and paper mill diffuser outfalls In the St. Lawrence River only, evaluations were conducted on indigenous yellow perch (Perca flavescens) caught upstream and downstream of the mill discharge . In both locations, the odour of the flesh from the caged trout exposed above the diffuser outfall was not judged significantly different from caged trout exposed downstream of the discharge. However, the indigenous perch caught downstream of the mill in the St. Lawrence River were judged by the panelists to have a significantly more objectionable odour than those caught upstream of the discharge. While the effluent tainting potential appears to have been eliminated in the Spanish River, further studies are required to determine the source and magnitude of tainting concerns in the St. Lawrence River. The sensory test and results reported here provide useful tools for evaluating the tainting potential of pulp mill discharges and for assessing perceived consumer quality of the fish exposed to these effluents.

Density, Distribution, and Movement of Nipigon Bay Fishes in Relation to a Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 879-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. M. Kelso
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Avoidance Reaction ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Paper Mill Effluent ◽  
Species Dominance

Density of pelagic fish in accessible portions of Nipigon Bay was lower offshore, less than 100 fish/10,000 m3, and greater nearshore, less than 1800 fish/10,000 m3. Conditions at Red Rock caused intense aggregation there and caused species dominance to shift to sucker at the mill discharge from yellow perch elsewhere. Plume shape and direction did not alter the localized pattern of distribution. Two typical responses to plume concentrations were found using suckers fitted with ultrasonic transmitters. Fish released in high discharge concentrations (>15% dilution by volume) became disoriented for as much as several hours, then appeared to search for "background" conditions. Fish released in low discharge concentrations (<15%) immediately initiated an avoidance reaction. Although individuals tended to avoid areas of altered water quality, the community aggregated at Red Rock in response to, perhaps, increased production of benthic macroinvertebrates. However, telemetry indicated that residence time was short in the area of altered water quality.

Summary of a Decade of Research on the Effects of a New Zealand Pulp and Paper Mill on Reproduction in Fishes

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. van den Heuvel ◽  
Alison H. Slade ◽  
Michael J. Landman
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Entire Body ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Cumulative Impact ◽  
Gradual Improvement ◽  
Reproductive Effects

Abstract The effluent of the Tasman pulp and paper mill (Kawerau, New Zealand) has been intensively studied for its effects on the health of fishes between 1998 and present. This review summarizes peer-reviewed scientific literature on the reproductive effects of the Tasman Mill effluent on fishes. In the 1990s there was an emerging body of literature from around the world showing that exposure to pulp and paper effluent could cause subtle reproductive alterations in exposed fishes. Locally, the Tarawera River had proved to be a difficult environment to conduct field studies. To overcome some of the difficulties with studying fish populations in the Tarawera River, initial studies on the reproductive health of fishes were focused on mesocosm and laboratory bioassays. During the later part of this period of study, wild fish population sampling was conducted inriver to assess the cumulative impact of multiple discharges. The initial mesocosm studies were conducted with rainbow trout exposures over an entire reproductive development cycle. The Tasman Mill effluent was initially observed to cause reductions in gonad size in females corresponding with lower circulating sex steroid hormones and reduced egg and larval sizes. This result was not observed again in the two subsequent long-term exposures conducted after 2001. Laboratory studies initially found the effluent to have a masculinizing effect on female mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). This mosquitofish masculinization response disappeared after 2001 and was also not seen in effluent-exposed wild populations. Upstream and downstream populations of the native common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) showed different reproductive timing, and investigation revealed that genetic differences were a potential reason for these differences. Subsequent investigation compared the Tarawera River bully to genetically similar Rangitiki River bully and found no evidence of reproductive alterations. The entire body of published data was assessed with regards to changes at the mill and chemical profiles of the effluent. It was evident that continuing effort on the part of the mill has resulted in gradual improvement in effluent quality over the duration of the studies. However, the disappearance of reproductive effects as assessed by multiple bioassays corresponds to one major change: screen room closure in the pulp mill. This change would have resulted in wood extractives being shunted from the treatment system to the recovery boiler, resulting in a net reduction in compounds derived from wood.

Immunomodulation in Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis) Exposed to a Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent in Eastern Canada

2003 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie D. St-Jean ◽  
Simon C. Courtenay ◽  
Roy W. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Mytilus Edulis ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Pulp Mill Effluent ◽  
Bacterial Clearance ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Paper Mill Effluent ◽  
Blue Mussels

Abstract Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) were caged at three sites situated at increasing distance from the point of discharge of a pulp and paper mill effluent from July to October 1998. Two additional cages were deployed: one inside and one at the mouth of the adjacent industrialized Pictou Harbour. After 90 d exposure, we measured growth, survival, haemocyte counts (HC), phagocytic activity (PA), lysosome retention (LR) and bacterial clearance (BC). There was a small but significant difference in growth between cages. Mussels closest to the mill effluent grew the most while those at the mouth of the harbour grew the least. Mussels from three cages showed similar difficulty in clearing bacteria; the cage inside the harbour, the cage nearest to the pulp mill effluent and the cage furthest from the pulp mill, receiving a mixture of both pulp mill and harbour effluents. The mussels from those cages also showed the highest heavy metal burdens and conversely, the cage showing the most rapid clearance, outside both effluents, also showed the lowest heavy metal burden. Mussels caged in the pulp mill effluent showed lower PA and LR and higher mortality during the bacterial clearance test than other mussels. These results suggest that immunological biomarkers might be a useful and more sensitive adjunct to endpoints presently being measured from caged bivalves in environmental effects monitoring (EEM) programs, and assessments of aquatic environmental quality.

Biochemistry and Ecology of Resin Acid Biodegradation in Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Treatment Systems

1999 ◽  
Vol 40 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 273-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Mohn ◽  
Vincent J. J. Martin ◽  
Zhongtang Yu
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Resin Acid ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Resin Acids ◽  
Effluent Treatment ◽  
Biochemical Pathway ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Paper Mill Effluents

A better understanding of the mechanisms and ecology of resin acid biodegradation will contribute to improved performance of existing treatment systems and development of new treatment systems for pulp and paper mill effluents. Using molecular genetic methods, we have partially elucidated the biochemical pathway for degradation of abietane resin acids by Pseudomonas abietaniphila BKME-9. We identified genes encoding putative membrane-associated proteins that are required for abietane metabolism. These proteins may function in cellular uptake of, or response to, resin acids. Genetic and physiological evidence suggests that a monooxygenase is involved in the biochemical pathway. A quantitative PCR assay was developed for ditA1, a gene from BKME-9 encoding resin acid degradation. In an aerated lagoon treating pulp mill effluent, a population carrying ditA1 was found, which was a small fraction (10−7) of the total microbial community. This population was evenly distributed throughout the system and was a stable member of the community over time. Quantitative PCR assays were used to monitor Pseudomonas abietaniphila BKME-9 and Zoogloea resiniphila DhA-35 when they were separately used to inoculate a complex microbial communities in laboratory sequencing batch reactors. Both inocula were stably maintained in the community for 24 days. These inocula stimulated resin acid removal by the community when it was stressed by high pH or by high resin acid loading.

A survey of the composition and diversity of bacterial populations in bleached kraft pulp-mill wastewater secondary treatment systems

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 633-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley A Gilbride ◽  
Roberta R Fulthorpe
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Community ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Secondary Treatment ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill

Bacterial community compositions from 10 pulp- and paper-mill treatment systems were compared using both traditional and molecular techniques. 16S-RFLP (Random Fragment Length Polymorphisms) analysis was used to examine the genotypic profiles of the whole bacterial community of each treatment system. Although all the communities shared approximately 60% of their DNA band pattern, as determined by computer-assisted cluster analysis, each community displayed a unique profile that was stable over time under normal operating parameters. Reverse Sample Genome Probing (RSGP) and 16S-RFLP were used to compare the culturable bacterial communities of several geographically separated pulp-mill biotreatment system communities. There was little overlap in the composition of the culturable community between mills at the genus level. Furthermore, RSGP variation was almost as high within a mill as between mills. Partial sequences of the 16S rRNA genes from culturable isolates identified Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Xanthobacter as some of the dominant species. Finally, several 16S rRNA genes from two whole community 16S RNA gene libraries were partially sequenced and identified as similar to unknown α-, β-, and γ-Proteobacteria, Ralstonia, Alcaligenes, Nitrospira, Firmicutes, and clones representing the new Holophaga/Acidobacterium phylum. These findings suggest that although these pulp- and paper-mill biotreatment communities perform similar functions, they are populated by unique mixtures of species.Key words: biodiversity, 16S-RFLP, secondary treatment, pulp mills.

Reproductive Success of Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Exposed to Pulp and Paper Dominated Receiving Streams and Effects of Masculinization Responses

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
Jessica J. Noggle ◽  
Stewart E. Holm ◽  
Chet Thompson ◽  
Timothy S. Gross
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Eastern Mosquitofish ◽  
Copulatory Structure ◽  
River Site

Abstract Mosquitofish (Gambusia) are sexually dimorphic; adult males have an elongation of the anal fin to form a copulatory structure known as a gonopodium. Several studies since the early 1980s have reported elongated anal fins in female mosquitofish exposed to pulp and paper mill discharge, a phenomenon known as masculinization. Although adverse impacts have been suggested in these previous reports, the influence of masculinization on reproductive success has not been assessed for pulp mill effluent-exposed eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki or affinis). The current study compared fecundity (number of fry per female at parturition) to an index of masculinization (ratio of anal fin rays 4 to 6). Pregnant females were collected from two effluent-receiving streams in Florida: Rice Creek and the Fenholloway River, over two reproductive seasons (2003 and 2004). Masculinization was consistent between years, with clear effects at the Fenholloway River site, while the response was minimal or nondetectable at the Rice Creek site. Masculinization was not correlated with the production of fry/fecundity at either site. Data suggest differing reproductive seasonal strategies between basins and populations but do not demonstrate any effects of pulp and paper exposure on reproductive success in mosquitofish.

Practical experiences with aerobic biofilters in TMP (thermomechanical pulping), sulfite and fine paper mills in Canada

1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 227-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kantardjieff ◽  
J. P. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Paper Mills ◽  
Paper Mill Effluents ◽  
Sulfite Pulp ◽  
Practical Experiences

An industrial aerobic biofilter technology has been piloted extensively in Canada on several types of pulp and paper mill effluents, resulting in one full scale operational facility at one Canadian fine paper mill. In addition two industrial scale pilot plant tests were performed with the same technology, one in an integrated sulfite pulp and paper mill and one in a TMP mill. In the case of the fine paper mill, the full scale plant has two cells (8 m × 8 m × 6 m height of the media) and treats an unclarified but screened effluent with a loading of 3500 kg BOD/d. The system produces low quantities of biosludge (0.28 kg TSS/kg BOD removed), has a rapid rate of recovery after shock loadings and is very energy efficient (150 kW installed power for aeration). Pilot plant treatability studies were performed at one integrated Canadian sulfite mill using a combination of a biofilter-aerated lagoon system. The biofilter treated the most concentrated stream (sulfite pulp mill effluent) and this stream was then combined with the remaining wastewaters of the mill and polished in an aerated stabilization basin (ASB). The high quality ASB effluent (50 mg BOD/L/30 mg TSS/L) was non toxic to rainbow trout, Daphnia magna and photoluminescent bacteria. Integrated TMP mill effluents were treated in a 5 m3 aerobic biofilter filled with two types of media (10 to 20 mm and 20 to 30 mm). Under average loading conditions of 3.5 kg BOD/d.m3 media, the system produced effluents meeting regulation limits for BOD, TSS as well as for toxicity.

scholarly journals Bioremediation of Agro-Based Pulp Mill Effluent by Microbial Consortium Comprising Autochthonous Bacteria

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virendra Kumar ◽  
Purnima Dhall ◽  
Rita Kumar ◽  
Yogendra Prakash Singh ◽  
Anil Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Black Liquor ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Kraft Pulping ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Paper Mills

Small-scale agro-based pulp and paper mills are characterized as highly polluting industries. These mills use Kraft pulping process for paper manufacturing due to which toxic lignified chemicals are released into the environment. Lack of infrastructure, technical manpower, and research and development facilities restricts these mills to recover these chemicals. Therefore, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the emanating stream is quite high. For solving the above problem, four bacteria were isolated from the premises of agro-based pulp and paper mill which were identified as species ofPseudomonas, Bacillus, Pannonibacter, andOchrobacterum. These bacteria were found capable of reducing COD up to 85%–86.5% in case of back water and 65-66% in case of back water : black liquor (60 : 40), respectively, after acclimatization under optimized conditions (pH 6.8, temperature 35°C, and shaking 200 rpm) when the wastewater was supplemented with nitrogen and phosphorus as trace elements.

Recent Progress in Understanding the Causes of Endocrine Disruption Related to Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pulp Mill Effluent ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Paper Mill Effluents ◽  
Pulp And Paper Effluent ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Effluent Exposure

Abstract Reproductive impairment in fishes exposed to pulp and paper effluent has been observed in the wild for three decades. Despite intense research, identification of causative agents, if indeed the changes are strictly chemically mediated, has yet to be achieved. This review examines the body of research developed over the last six years that was directed at understanding the mechanisms of reproductive dysfunction in fishes associated with pulp mill effluent exposures. Research has continued to show diminishing effects of effluent exposure on fish reproductive physiology. Observations of exposure to androgens and estrogens continue to be observed and new evidence suggests that antiestrogens may be present. The presence of androgenic steroids remains a consistent observation, and those androgens appear to be native to wood. Recent studies have also suggested a number of alternate mechanisms beyond androgens or estrogens. One such possibility is that neuroactive substances are interfering with endocrine balance critical to reproduction. A second possibility is that some reproductive effects in the field may be due to nutritional factors, and thus reproductive impacts are caused by indirect effects of pulp mill effluent exposure. Ongoing mechanistic studies, particularly with paired field-lab components, are required to make further progress.

Evaluation of total phosphorus and total nitrogen methods in pulp mill effluents

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.L. Cook ◽  
N.L. Frum
Keyword(s):  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Pulp And Paper Mill ◽  
Persulfate Oxidation ◽  
Pulp Mill Effluents ◽  
Epa Methods

Under the Clean Water Action Plan, the US Environmental Protection Agency is requiring states to establish numeric criteria for phosphorus and nitrogen. In preparation for the development of nutrient criteria NCASI undertook a research project to conduct a comparative study of methods for the determination of total phosphorus and total nitrogen in pulp and paper mill matrices. This paper presents results of a single laboratory method evaluation and comparative study of digestion techniques and analytical methods for the determination of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) in pulp and paper mill secondary treated effluents. Analytical methods included EPA Methods 365.2 and 365.4 for TP. TN and total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) methods included EPA Methods 351.2, 351.4, and 353.2. Examinations of sample preservation and storage stability were conducted. Substitution of mercuric sulfate with copper sulfate during block digestion resulted in higher blank levels and method detection limits. TP measurements using EPA Method 365.4 (autoanalyzer) were found to be accurate with a positive bias as determined using matrix spike experiments. Sample digestion by acidic persulfate oxidation or mercuric sulfate block digestion in conjunction with EPA Method 365.4 yielded low blank levels (averages of 0.01 and 0.02 mg/L, respectively), precision of 2.1 and 2.4% relative standard deviations, respectively, and accuracy expressed as an average recovery (%R) of 117% for both. EPA Method 351.2 (autoanalyzer) was more precise than EPA Method 351.4 (ammonia probe). Accuracy (%R) for EPA Method 351.2 ranged from 81 to 95%, depending on the digestion technique applied, and was 55% when EPA Method 351.4 was utilized. Investigation of a method utilizing basic to acidic persulfate oxidation for the simultaneous determination of TN and TP using only two analytical techniques was found to be effective at concentrations above 1 mg/L in pulp mill effluents.

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