IR Home
MEPS
Home
Editors
Forthcoming
Information
Subscribe
Journals
Home
MEPS
AME
CR
DAO
ESEP
ESR
Search
Subscribe
Book Series
EE Books
Top Books
ESEP Books
Order
EEIU Brochures
(pdf format)
Discussion Forums
Home
Research
IR Research
Institutions
International Ecology Institute
Eco-Ethics International Union
Foundation
Otto Kinne Foundation
| |
MEPS 274:1-16 (2004)
|
Abstract
|
Protein model for pollutant uptake and elimination by living organisms and its implications for ecotoxicology
Susan Quinnell1,*, Kees Hulsman1, Peter J. F. Davie2
1Australian School of Environmental Studies, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Queensland 4111, Australia
2Biodiversity Program, Queensland Museum, GPO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
*Email: s.quinnell@griffith.edu.au
ABSTRACT: The conceptual model on which chemical assessment of pollutants is based is flawed. The assumption in ecotoxicology -- that pollutants cross the biological membrane only by passive diffusion of their solute phase (diffusion model) and thus, that
only water-soluble pollutants are biologically available -- is inconsistent with the biologists' understanding of the role and functioning of the biological membrane. The biological membrane both isolates organisms, cells and organelles from their external
environments and regulates cross-membrane trafficking of polar and non-polar substances. Trafficking regulation is a function of proteins dissolved within the membrane. An alternative protein model for pollutant uptake and elimination is proposed that
provides a credible explanation of how solid-phase pollutants, such as those bound to aquatic sediments and soils, may be readily incorporated by living organisms. Current chemical testing is likely to underestimate the risk posed to organisms by sediment
and soil-bound pollutants. New techniques for assessing the bioavailability and impacts of pollutants, based on the protein model, are urgently needed.
KEY WORDS: Ecotoxicology · Pollution · Protein model · Diffusion model · 3-phase model · Cell membrane · Equilibrium partitioning coefficient · Transport proteins · Sediment · Pore water
Full text in pdf format
Published in MEPS Vol.
274
(2004) on June 24
Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2004
|