What are the fates and effects of trace contaminants in ecosystems?

Professor, Zoology

My research team consists of approximately 30 students, postdocs, technicians and support staff in the Department of Zoology, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center and Institute of Toxicology. The research team is made up of chemists, ecologists and toxicologists. We conduct both basic and applied research into the distribution of contaminants in the environment and the effects that they can cause in wildlife. We combine information on fates and effects to conduct ecological risk assessments. We develop new instrumental and bio-analytical techniques to identify and quantify residues in environmental matrices such as water, sediment and biota. We work out mechanisms of toxicity with an emphasis on the molecular level of organization. We conduct controlled laboratory studies in the 10,000 sq ft Aquatic Toxicology facility as well as field studies. We work with state and federal agencies as well as businesses and industries to answer questions about current and potential future concentrations of synthetic residues in the environment. Our research as included all levels of organization from molecular level through population and community to ecosystem-scale. We study benthic invertebrates, fish, frogs, birds and mammals. Recently we have been studying the exposure of birds of prey, including eagles, owls and falcons to synthetic residues and the potential effects of these residues on the birds. We have also been conducting laboratory and field studies of the effects of trace contaminants on mink and terrestrial small mammals. We have been studying the fates and effects of pesticides in the environment. The results of this work have helped to shape national policy on a number of key agricultural chemicals.

Sanderson. J.T., W. Seinen, J.P. Giesy and M. van den Berg. 2000. 2-chloro-S-Triazine Herbicides Induce Aromatase (CYP-19) Activity in H295R Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells: A Novel Mechanism for Estrogenicity. Toxicolo. Sci.54:121-127.

Watanabe, M., K. Kannan, A. Takahashi, B. G. Loganathan, D. K. Odell, S. Tanabe, J.P. Giesy. 2000. Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Organochlorine Pesticides, Tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane, and Tris(4-chlorophenyl)Methanol in Livers of Small Cetaceans Stranded Along Florida Coastal Waters, USA. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 19:1566-1574.

Giesy, J.P., S. Dobson and K.R. Solomon et al. 2000. Ecological Risk Assessment for Roundup Herbicide. Rev. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 167:35-120.

Kannan, K., A. L. Blankenship, P. D. Jones and J. P. Giesy. 2000. Toxicity Reference Values for the Toxic Effects of Polychlorinated Biphenyls to Aquatic Mammals. Human Ecol. Risk Assess. 6:181-201.

Giesy, J.P. and S.L. Pierens, Miles-Richardson S., Kramer V.J., Snyder S.A., Nichols K.M., Snyder E., Villenueve D.A., Giesy J.P. 2000. Effects of 4-Nonyl Phenol on Fecundity and Biomarkers of Estrogenicity in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas). Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 19:1368-1377.

Kannan, K., N. Yamashita, T. Imagawa, W. DeCoen, J-S. Khim, R.M. Day, C.L. Summer and J.P. Giesy. 2000. Polychlorinated Napthalenes and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Fishes from Michigan Waters Including the Great Lakes. Environ. Sci. Technol. 34:566-572.

Feyk, L.A., B. Bosveld, M. Van den Berg and J.P. Giesy. 2000. Cytochrome P450-1A Activity in Common Terns Fed Polychlorinated Biphenyls, as Measured by Caffeine Breath Tests. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 19:712-718.

Villalobos, S.A., D. Papoulias, J. Meadows, A.L. Blankenship, S. D. Pastva, K. Kannan, D.E. Tillitt and J.P. Giesy. 2000. Toxic Responses of Ploychlorinated Napthalene Mixtures to medaka (dRr Strain) After Embryonic Exposure by In ovo Microinjection: A Partial Life Cycle Assessment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 19:432-440.