A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate temporal patterns of environmental heat stress during the in -uterus period of development (IUP) and the 3-month post-natal (PN) period of dairy heifers, and to estimate their association with the age at first calving (AFC). Data from 30 dairy herds in Northern Greece including 9098 heifers were extracted from National Cattle Database. Data (2005-2019) regarding 230,100 farm-specific ambient daily temperature and relative humidity records, were obtained from ERA5-Land. Average monthly Temperature-Humidity-Index values (THI; low <= 68, and high>68) were calculated and matched for each heifer to their IUP and PN. Subsequently, Cluster Analysis was used with monthly THIs as predictors to allocate heifers to THI clusters. The association of clusters with AFC was assessed with Generalized Linear Mixed Model analysis, an extended form of multiple linear regression. Finally, 8 Heat Stress Clusters (HSC; namely HSC-1 to HSC-8) were identified. Compared to HSC-8 (8th-9th IUP months and 1st PN month) heifers of HSC-5 (4th-7th IUP months) and HSC-6 (6th-8th IUP months) calved 13.8 and 17.8 days later, respectively (P < 0.01-0.001). Moreover, when AFC was treated as a binary variable, heifers of HSC-5 and HSC-6 had 1.15 and 1.34 (P < 0.01-0.001) higher risk of calving for the first time later than 787 days compared to HSC-8, respectively.

Veterinary pharmaceuticals are pollutants that received much attention during the last 20 years. Macrocyclic lactones are a class of drugs globally used in animal and human health, as well as crops protection. Some of its members are key substances for global food security. In this research, the mobility of eprinomectin (EPM) in soil columns (25 cm soil height; 10 cm diameter) was assessed for the first time. Soil density in the columns was 1.1-1.2 g/cm(3). Porosity was 0.54-0.60. Three different soil types were used (agricultural, pastoral, wetland). In the experiment, chloride was used as a non-reactive tracer to determine the hydrodynamic conditions in the columns. Therefore, water velocity (v) was 0.146 -0.151 cm/h, dispersion coefficient (D) 0.011-0.017 cm(2)/h and dispersivity (D/v) was 0.072-0.121. Our results showed that the drug remained in the top layers of the columns, after applying an extreme irrigation scenario. The retardation factor for EPM was 43.4-54.5 while for chloride was 0.99-1. EPM fraction (% of applied mass) in 0-1 cm was 13.8-18.0% and in 1-5 cm was 53.3-73.0%. An amount 13-29% was irreversibly bound or degraded during this experiment. From a soil management perspective, the continuous application of EPM contaminated manure, could result in high concentrations in the top 10 cm of the soil profile. Soil column experiments, where hydrodynamic conditions are well defined, are useful for the environmental impact assessment of veterinary pharmaceuticals. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) is globally important for human and animal health. Although AMX is considered as a threat for the aquatic and terrestrial environment, limited data are present for its toxicity against key species such as denitrifying bacteria in soil, earthworms and plants. In the present research, the OECD protocols for environmental risk assessment were applied to study AMX acute toxicity, at nominal concentrations, close to the environmentally relevant, in soil bacteria responsible for nitrogen cycling, in the earthworm species Eisenia fetida and six plant species. The results revealed no significant effects of the antibiotic on the parameters related to the end-points of each respective test, at the selected concentration range. Therefore, the antibiotic did not present acute toxicity for the species, under the framework of the OECD tests. Further research is essential to be conducted also considering the patterns of degradation of AMX during the experimental periods.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mass fractions were estimated in samples from two benthic species of fish, goby and sole, originating from Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. The samples were analyzed using a well-established cold extraction method. The average total (Σ PBDE) ranged from 8.98 to 35.00 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) and 12.36 to 163.26 ng g-1 lw for goby and sole, respectively. Significant differences were observed between samplings but not between the two species. Thermaikos Gulf was classified as low polluted or comparable with regard to similar areas worldwide; however, the notable mass fraction increase in some cases as well as the increasing temporal trend of PBDE levels established for both species signify the need for further monitoring. Congener profiles showed dominance of penta-/octa-BDEs (50-70% from Σ PBDEs) and the presence of deca-BDE as well (18-19%). Congener correlation analysis suggested different pollution sources between higher and lower brominated congeners, as well as different metabolic/degradation processes. Calculations of bioaccumulation factors (BSAF) highlighted the influence of congener bromination degree on the bioaccumulation potential

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mass fractions were determined in mussel samples collected from 6 locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were present in all sampling sites and the average total (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 17.7 to 32.3ng/g l.w., characterising Thermaikos as low polluted, a fact further supported by congener ratios and literature comparison. Distribution was even among stations with one exception. Congener profiles exhibited predominance of penta-/octa-BDEs as well as BDE-209. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in pollution levels between the two types of mussel cultures. No variations were observed for mussel bunch position or between cultures and natural population. Congener correlation analysis suggested different pollution sources between higher and lower brominated congeners as well as different metabolic/degradation processes. Bioaccumulation factors indicated that an increase in congener bromination degree leads to bioaccumulation capacity reduction. Consumption of mussels from Thermaikos gulf area poses no threat for public health concerning PBDEs.

Eprinomectin (EPM) is a veterinary drug currently licensed in many countries for the treatment of endo- and ecto-parasites in cattle. Despite the notable evidence for its high toxicity to the terrestrial and aquatic environment ecosystems, its environmental behavior and fate are currently unknown. In the present research, the dissipation of EPM was studied in three soils and in cattle manure by using the OECD 307 guideline and the recently developed European Medicines Agency (EMA/CVMP/ERA/430327) guideline, respectively. The procedure presented by the FOrum for Co-ordination of pesticide models and their USe (FOCUS) was adopted for estimating the EPM degradation kinetics in soil and cattle manure. The EPM dissipation in soil was best described by the SFO (Simple First Order) and the HS (Hockey Stick) models, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. The EPM dissipation in cattle manure was best described by the FOMC (First Order Multi Compartment) model. The Dissipation Time for the 50% of the initial EPM mass (DT50) range was 38–53 days under aerobic and 691–1491 days under anaerobic conditions. In addition, the DT50 for EPM in cattle manure was 333 days. Therefore, EPM could be characterized as moderately to highly persistent to dissipation in soil, which depends on soil type, its oxygen content (aerobic or anaerobic conditions in soil) and the microbial activity. Moreover, the EPM resists dissipation in cattle manure, resulting to a high load in soil after manure application in agricultural land (or direct defecation in grassland). Consequently, the high possibility for EPM accumulation in soil and cattle manure should be considered when assessing the environmental risk of the drug.

Twenty-five sampling stations were selected in order to monitor persistent organic pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine (OC) pesticides and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) in surface water from Kerkini Lake, the Strymon River, its main tributaries and estuary in N. Aegean Sea during January to July, 2008, according to recent European Union (EU) guidelines. The data were divided among the high (January to April) and the low flow season (May to July). Generally, the values for organic pollutants were within the range reported worldwide for surface water. Elevated PAHs concentrations were observed compared with other places in Greece. Anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene exceeded maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of the relative EU guideline. Also, concentrations above MAC were observed for OCs, γ-HCH, and a-endosulfan. Despite the fact that it is banned since 1972, Aldrin was detected during the monitoring season (from limit of detection (LOD) to 15 ng L−1). Total PCB concentrations ranged from LOD to 162 ng L−1. In addition, the load of organic pollutants was estimated in April (high flow) and June (low flow) in selected sampling stations. According to this estimation, napthalene, anthracene, and fluoranthene (PAHs), total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), aldrin, and total PCBs had the highest load. Taking into account the relative EU guidelines concerning the pollutants studied, the water quality in the Strymon River catchment could be characterized as poor, which can lead to negative impacts to its biota.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were determined in marine sediment samples collected from 7 different locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were detected in all sampling sites and their average total concentration (Sigma PBDEs) ranged from 0.26 to 4.92 ng g(-1) d.w. Concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in locations outlining the inner part of the Gulf, which were also closer to industrial areas, sewage treatment plant discharges, the city's harbour and landfill area. These findings suggest pollution in the aquatic ecosystem from industrial and urban activities in the area. Congener profiles exhibit predominance of BDE-209, while concentrations of other PBDE congeners were usually lower, when compared to similar studies from other countries globally, indicating that Thermaikos Gulf is among the low-polluted areas. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among the higher polluted sampling stations. Statistically significant differences also existed between sampling stations with high and low PBDE concentrations. Correlations between congeners suggested local contamination sources; however, specific point sources of pollution were not established.

A new analytical HPLC-fluorescence method was developed for the quantitative determination of eprinomectin (EPM) in soil and cattle faeces. EPM was extracted with acetone and acetonitrile from soil and cattle faeces, respectively. Solid phase extraction and derivatization reaction with N-methylimidazole in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride and acetic acid were applied. The limit of quantitation was 1 ng g(-1) air dried soil and 2.5 ng g(-1) moist cattle faeces. Overall recovery (RSD) was 89% (8) in soil and 85% (10) in cattle faeces and its good reproducibility (RSD<15%) allows the application of the method in advanced ecotoxicological studies, required for the environmental fate assessment of EPM.

Batch equilibrium studies were conducted to determine eprinomectin partitioning behavior in three Greek soils (agricultural, pastoral and riparian soil). An analytical method was developed to quantify eprinomectin in aqueous 0.01 M CaCl₂. Recovery was 95% and limits of detection and quantification were both 0.005 mgL⁻¹. An existing method for its quantification in soil was successfully tested in this study. Mass balance determinations showed that we accounted for 89-98% of the eprinomectin spiked in 5 g soil/25 mL 0.01 M CaCl₂. The concentration specific adsorption distribution coefficient (K(d)(ads)) ranged from 6.4 to 21.4 L kg⁻¹ while concentration specific desorption distribution coefficient (K(d)(des)) ranged from 23.2 to 124.6 L kg⁻¹. The Freundlich model adequately described adsorption and desorption with n values from 0.6 to 1.07. Hysteresis between adsorption and desorption was observed in two (agricultural and pastoral) soils. Moreover, eprinomectin binding to the clay mineral vermiculite and natural peat was tested. The drug binds to both materials. Hydroxyl groups and the nitrogen group present in eprinomectin are probably responsible for the binding to vermiculite. Coefficient K(d)(ads) significantly correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC), Fe and Cu content of the soils when data for eprinomectin and data for ivermectin and abamectin were combined. These could be evidence that eprinomectin fate is related not only to organic matter (lipophilic binding) but also to clay content and other charged inorganic groups typically present in the soil environment.

The effect of natural zeolite on the thermophilic anaerobic decomposition of pig waste was investigated. In particular, the effect of adding different amounts of zeolite on the increase of methane production of waste was examined. Two sets of experiments were carried out in duplicate: one with a low initial concentration of organic matter and one with a high initial concentration of organic matter. These experiments were carried out in eight batch reactors at 55 degrees C. The doses of zeolite which were used for the experiments were 0, 4, 8, 12 g l(-1) of waste. Methane production was significantly higher in treatments with natural zeolite at doses 8 and 12 gl(-1) of wastes, compared to those without zeolite. Also in treatments with natural zeolite, the reduction of volatile solids and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) was statistically significant. The results appear to be caused by the addition of zeolite, which adsorbs ammonia, thus having an effect not only on the toxicity of ammonia and on the C/N proportion but also on the regulation of acidity (pH) of the pig wastes. (c) 2007 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrological features, water quality and trophic status were determined in this study for Polyphyto reservoir (filled up in 1975), to examine the possible uses of its water, and especially for aquaculture. The river Aliakmon represents the main inflow to the reservoir, while the use of the reservoir's water for cooling requirements of thermal electric plants and hydroelectricity generation are the main outflows. According to OECD's probabilistic approach and considering mean total phorphorus (34 mug l-1), mean chlorophyll-a (4.10 mg l-1), and maximum chlorophyll-a (18.O mg l-1) concentrations the reservoir is mesotrophic with a tendency to become eutrophic. The actual phosphorus loading was found 1.67 g m-2 y-1, while critical phosphorus loading 0.510 g m-2 y-1. The water quality is suitable for aquaculture development.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) on growth and performance of broilers as well as on the quality of their litter. A total of 5,200 one-day old broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were used in two consecutive rounds lasting 42 days each. The broilers were given free and continuous access to a nutritionally non-limiting diet (in meal form) that was either a basal diet (B) or a 'zeolite diet' (Z: the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 2%). A 2x2 factorial design consisted of two feeding treatments (13 and Z) and two bedding types, sawdust (S) and sawdust with zeolite (Sz. which was the result of adding 2 kg zeolite/m(2)), was used. In each round the broilers were randomly assigned to one of four (n = 650), treatment groups: two fed on the basal diet (13) and had bedding of either sawdust (group BS) or sawdust and zeolite (group BSz) and two fed on the Z diet and had as bedding either sawdust (ZS) or sawdust and zeolite (ZSz). Average growth rates were significantly (p<0.05) different between broilers of different groups; broilers that were fed on the 'zeolite diet' (Z) and were placed either in a compartment with sawdust bedding or sawdust bedding and zeolite (ZS and ZSz) as well those that were fed on the basal diet in a compartment with sawdust bedding and zeolite (BSz) grew at a faster rate (p<0.05) compared with those of the control group (BS). The incorporation of NZ in broilers diets and in their bedding material decreased the organic content in litter samples throughout the experimental period. The lowest organic content was recorded in group ZSz where NZ was added in both feed and litter. Mean ammonia concentration (ppm) was significantly higher in group ZS in comparison to groups BSz and ZSz (27.00 vs. 20.55 and 21.71 respectively). The results of this study showed that the incorporation of the clinoptilolite both in feed and into the litter had a positive effect on broiler growth and also on the quality of their litter.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls are widely used in agriculture and industry, respectively, and may affect male reproduction function. Although several pollutants have been detected in human semen, similar studies in farm animals have not appeared. In the present study, the semen of bulls, rams, goats, and boars was assayed for the organochlorine pesticides hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH, α-, β-, and γ-isomers), dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide, for DDT-related chemicals (o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDT), and for the PCBs congeners (PCB-52, -101, -138, -150, and -180). In all species of farm animals, the most frequently detected pollutants were p,p′-DDE (80–100% of samples), HCB (73.9–100%), and γ-HCH (69.6–100%). Species differences in the concentrations of HCB, α-, β-, and γ-HCH, dieldrin, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, and PCBs were noted as well as differences in the concentrations of some isomers of HCH, DDT-related chemicals, and PCB congeners in the same species.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls are widely used in agriculture and industry, respectively. The present study assessed the burden of environmental pollutants in the follicular fluid of farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs). An analytical method combining a solid-phase extraction with (C(18)) for clean-up and GC-electron capture detection using a capillary column was implemented for isolation and determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Of the organochlorine pesticides, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-isomers), dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and the DDT-related chemicals (o,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT) were detected and of the PCBs, the congeners PCB-52, -101, -138, -153, and -180 were detected. In all species of farm animals, the most frequently detected pollutant was gamma-HCH (90-100% of samples) followed by HCB (80-100%), and p,p'-DDE (75-90.91%). Species differences in the concentrations of HCB, beta-HCH, heptachlor epoxide, and DDT-related chemicals in follicular fluid were noted as well as differences in the concentrations of some pollutants within the same species.

In this study, the pollution of Thermaikos gulf by PAH originated from the catchment area and the effluents of a Wastes Treatment Plant of a 1,000,000 people city, was investigated. Samples were collected from the drainage ditches, the effluent pipe, the sea water, the sediments and the mussels of the gulf. The concentrations of PAH were determined by gas chromatography technics. The results showed the influence of the catchment area on the pollution of Thermaikos gulf by PAH, as well the low PAH contamination of mussels tissue.

In this study, the detergents pollution level on the municipal treated waste waters of the city of Thessaloniki and on the water of the receiver gulf of Thermaikos were determined. Results from the terrestrial sampling stations showed some high LAS values for certain months. Results from marine sampling stations showed low LAS values, that distant from toxicity range for aquatic life.

The influence of hydrological regime of the artificial lake Kerkini (N Greece) on the qualitative and quantitative distribution of plankton populations, was studied during a 12 months period.Cyanophyceae, chlorophyceae, dinophyceae, diatomeae, crysophyceae andcryptophyceae, in considerable seasonal variation in their abundance, diversity and number comprised the phytoplankton population. The abundance of rotifers and the presence of various copepod stages throughout the year were also characteristic. Lake Kerkini should be considered as eutrophic with a tendecy to become hypertrophic. River inflows affect greatly in reservoir's water volume, nutrients' concentration and water's transparency, which, consequently, affects the plankton growth.