WA6 Fate and Effects of Energetic Compounds
202 Oregon Ballroom
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Wednesday
() Variation in response of wildlife species to energetic compounds.
Johnson, M1, Salice, C1, Gogal, Jr, R2, 1 US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA2 Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
ABSTRACT- Physiological differences between birds, mammals, and amphibians can result in significant variations in response from exposure to the same toxicants. Various energetic compounds (e.g., 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4-dinitrotouluene (DNT), 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) and 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)) exist in soils at many US Army installations as a result of past and/or present military activity. Wildlife species are exposed to these substances where adequate habitat exists. Physiological differences between mammals, birds, and amphibians can influence absorption, distribution, excretion and the resultant adverse effects from exposure. Differences in effects and targets found from our laboratory investigations will be discussed in relation to exposure and species variation. These differences are due in part to physiological variation in organ structure and factors that influence exposure. These differences will be discussed in a risk assessment context including recommendations for conducting toxicological studies to apply to best assist in making land management decisions.
Key words: birds, Energetics, amphibians, DNT