Acetaminophen (CAS 103-90-2) is one of the most used pharmaceuticals around the world. In Korea, it was produced 1,069 tons in 2003. This chemical is not eliminated in wastewater treatment plant and may flow into the ecosystem through various routes. Therefore, there is a possibility that it can make an adverse effect on aquatic organisms. To examine its ecological toxicity, we used three native Korean aquatic invertebrate species, Daphnia sp., Chironomus yoshimatsui, and Ephemera orientalis. The acute toxicity on Daphnia sp. was moderately high, and its 48 hour median immobilization concentration (EC50-immobilization) was 51.7 mg/L. On the other side, the reproductive toxicity was very high, and its EC50 of 25 day reproduction test was 0.005 mg/L. In E. orientalis egg hatching test, the median egg hatching inhibition concentration was 0.199 mg/L. C. yoshimatsui was most tolerant to acetaminophen, in which 48 hour median lethal concentration (LC50) was 400.0 mg/L and 45 day median emergence inhibition concentration (EC50-emergence) was 45.27 mg/L. From this results, we concluded that acetaminophen is hazardous to freshwater macroinvertebrates, especially to water flea. Therefore we need to study more about pharmaceuticals' ecotoxicology including acetaminophen and to assess their potential ecological risk.

The toxicity of perilla-chinese Basil, Perilla frutescens whole plant-derived materials to third-instar of larva Plutella xylostella was examined using that of four insecticides and 5 constituents of P. frutescens from other research materials. The active principle of P. frutescens was identified as the sesquiterpenoids α-farnesene by spectroscopic analysis. In leaf-dipping bioassay, α-farnesene (LD50, 36.9) was 3.9 times more toxic than β-farnesene (LD50, 145.2) against P. xylostella larva, based on 48h LD50 values. This compound was less toxic than insecticides. Naturally occurring α-farnesene merit further study as potential diamond back moth control agent.

In soil ecosystems, chemicals are often found as mixtures. Therefore, the toxicity data generated by single toxicity tests are inadequate for assessing the potential risk of complex mixtures of chemicals for soil ecosystems. In the present study, the mixture toxicity of copper and manganese on the reproduction of Paronychiurus kimi were assessed using a Toxic Unit approach (1TU=EC50). The concentrations of each metal in the mixture were summed as follows: TUmixture = CCu/EC50 of Cu + CMn/EC50 of Mn, where CMetal are the concentrations of copper and manganese in the mixture. From the Sum TU based dose-response relationships, sum of a toxicunit (TU50) at 50% reduction for the mixture (EC50mix) was calculated. The binary mixture toxicity was defined as being concentration additiv (EC50mix=1TU) or as being more or less than additive (EC50mix<1TU or 1>TU, respectively). Also, values of the mixture (TUi) at i% reduction found were predicted to get more insight regarding the relationship between mixture toxicity and various effect levels (ranging from EC10 to EC90). The toxicities of copper and manganese mixtures were less than additive at the EC10 level, whereas more than additive at the EC90 level. These findings imply that the effect levels are important for determining the toxicity of metal mixtures.

Mycotoxins produced by molds isolated from discolored sun-dried red pepper fruits were determined and the toxicity to animals was also tested by feeding mold-grown unpolished rice to rats. Among the mold species tested, only Alternaria alternata was toxic to experimental animals, while other mold species belonging to the genera of Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Diaporthopsis, Botryosphereia, Aspergillus and Fusarium were not. Rats fed Alternaria-grown rice lost weight and died within two weeks of feeding period. Succumbed rats during the process of feeding study showed extreme cases of enlargements of stomach, small intestine and liver. Among the 17 Alternaria isolates, 8 species produced considerable amount of tenuazonic acid along with small amounts of other toxins including alternariol and monomethyl ether derivative of alternariol in both red pepper homogenate and unpolished rice. It is therefore advised that red pepper fruits infested by molds during the sun-drying process be discarded to avoid unnoticeable health hazards.

Toxicity of 10 registered insecticides and 6 fertilizers were tested against 3<SUP>rd</SUP> larva and adults of Korean firefly, Luciola lateralis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). All experiments were tested at the recommended concentration of each inescticides by producer. MEP, PAP, Acephate, Fenthion, and Diazinon, which were organophates, a mixtures combined with Burofezin fenobucarb, Cartap ･･ buprofezin, and Thiamethoxam (Neonicotinoids), Fipronil (Phenylpyrazoles) showed more 80.0% mortality on larva and adults of L. lateralis. However, tebufenozide (I.G.R) showed low mortality of 33.3%. LC₅₀ (ppm) value of Assit, Cartapㆍbuprofezin, Fenthion and PAP were showed 1.03 ppm, 1.90 ppm, 10.26 ppm, 0.98 ppm, respectively, against 3<SUP>rd</SUP> larva of L. lateralis. Effects against eggs showed very high toxicity. Otherwise, tebufenozide (I.G.R) was showed hatchability of 100%. Toxicity of Urea fertilizer, Ammonium sulfate, Potassium chloride, Fused phosphate, Complex fertilizer and Silicate fertilizer were showed the mortality with 27.3%, 56.7%, 73.3%, 0.0%, 0.0%, 0.0%, respectively, when exposed 72 hrs after treatment.

The acute and subacute toxicities of trichlorfon were evaluated in blacktetras (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi). Dipping of fishes for acute toxicity was performed for a period of 24 hrs, and TLm_24h value (median tolerance limit=LC₅₀) was 12 ppm. Severe damages were observed in various organs and among them, edema and hyperplasia of gill lamellas, and epithelial edema of renal tubules were relatively prominent. The most significant change was mild epithelial deema of renal tubules in subacute toxicity test which fishes were exposed to 1.2ppm of trichlorfon for 1 week.

죽상경화증(arteriosclerosis)의 예방과 치료를 목적으로 조성된 새로운 한방처방인 WK-38을 웅성과 자성 랫트에 13주간 반복 투여하여 독성을 평가하였다. WK-38은 대황(大黃, Rhei Rhizoma), 후박(厚朴, Magonoliae Cortx), 목단피(牧丹皮, Moutan Cortex Radicis)의 복합물로 구성되었다. 실험동물에게 5 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg 또는 500 mg/kg을 경구로 투여하였다. 투여기간 동안 사망, 일반증상, 섭이량, 섭수량, 및 체중증가 등을 관찰하였다. 투여된 WK-38 모든 용량에서 사망하는 개체는 없었다. 시험기간 동안 체중의 지속적인 증가가 관찰되었으며 통계학적으로 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 안검사 및 뇨검사에서 모든 투척군에서 대조군과 비교하여 시험물질 투여에 기인한 유의성 있는 변화는 관찰되지 않았다. WK-38 투여는 혈액학적 검사 및 혈액 생화학적 검사 결과 시험물질에 의한 독성학적 변화로는 판단되는 지표는 없었다. 이상의 결과에 근거하여 본 시험 조건하의 WK-38의 랫트에 대한 13주 반복 경구투여 시험에서는 독성학적 변화가 관찰되지 않았다. 따라서 무독성량은 500 mg/kg을 상회하는 것으로 판단된다.

The acute and subacute toxicities of copper sulfate were evaluated in zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio). Dipping of fishes for acute toxicity was performed for a period of 24 h, and TLm24h value (median tolerance limit = LC50) was 1.36 ppm. Clubbing of gill filaments due to severe epithelial hyperplasia of gill lamella were oberved. And epithelial edema, fusion and necrosis of renal tubules were presented. The most significant change was mild epithelial hyperplasia of gill lamella in subacute toxicity test which fishes were exposed to 0.15 ppm of copper sulfate for 1 week.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust and is found throughout the environment, but compared with other toxic elements, little toxicological work has been conducted on arsenic. In this study, we tested the effect of two different arsenic compounds (arsenite (NaAsO2) and arsenate (Na2HAsO4)) on the reproduction of soil inhabiting collembolan species (Paronychiurus kimi). The toxicity tests for each arsenic compound were conducted in accordance with the ISO 11267. The estimated EC50s for reproduction of each arsenic compound were 20.43 (16.97-24.60) and 32.86 (25.64-42.13) mg/kg, respectively. There were statistically differences in the toxicity of two different arsenic compounds based on overlapping 95 % confidence intervals. The relative toxicity ratio of arsenite to arsenate (approx. 0.62) as well as the concentration-dependent decrease in reproduction of P. kimi was steeper at arsenite than that of arsenate. These results show that arsenite was more toxic to P. kimi than arsenate.

Plant essential oils from twenty plant species were tested for their insecticidal activity against larvae of Lycoriella ingenua using a fumigation bioassay. Good insecticidal activity (>90%) against larvae of L. ingenua was achieved with essential oils of caraway seed (Carum carvi), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), mandarine (Citrus reticulate), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), cade (Juniperus oxycedrus), spearmint (Mentha spicata), cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and thyme red (Thymus vulgaris) oils at 30×10-3 mg/㎖ air. Among them, caraway seed, spearmint, cumin and thyme red essential oils were highly effective against L. ingenua at 20×10-3 mg/㎖ air. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry led to identification of 4, 9, 8 and 17 compounds from caraway seed, spearmint, cumin and thyme red oils, respectively. These compounds were tested individually for their insecticidal activities against larvae of L. ingenua, and compared to the toxicity of dichlorvos. Carvacrol, thymol, linalool, cuminaldehyde, p-cymen, terpinen-4-ol and carvone was effective at 10×10-3 mg/㎖. The insecticidal activity of dichlorvos was 60% at 10×10-3 mg/㎖. Effects of four selected plant essential oils on growth of Pleurotus ostreatus were also investigated.

For the development of integrated pest management system by harmonizing biological and chemical control, some experiments were carried out to select low toxic pesticides and to evaluate residual toxicity to natural enemies. Leaf dipping method and body dipping method were set up for evaluating toxicity to minute pirate bug, Orius strigicollis adult. We had tested 52 kinds of pesticides (33 insecticides, 19 fungicides) commonly used to control greenhouse insects, mites, and disease pests to natural enemies at the recommended concentration. Fourteen insecticides by body dipping method, 12 insecticides by leaf dipping method and 19 fungicides were selected as low toxic pesticides to O. strigicollis adult. After insecticide spraying at recommending dose on the sweet pepper plant, we examined residual effect of insecticides by introducing natural enemies on different days. Safety interval for introduction of O. strigicollis adult was established according to residual toxicity of pesticides. Safety insecticides at one day after treatment were pyraclofos, methomyl, thiodicarb, esfenvalerate bifenthrin, alpha-cypermethrin, etofenprox, fenvalerate, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, abamectin, emamectin benzoate, spinosad, indoxacarb. However, residual toxicity of neo-nicotinoids last up to 21 days to O. strigicollis adults.

For the development of integrated pest management system by harmonizing biological and chemical control, some experiments were carried out to select low toxic pesticides against natural enemies, and their residual toxicity were evaluated. Leaf dipping method, body dipping method, and diet treatment method were set up for the toxicity evaluation against Cotesia glomerata adults. We had tested 46 different pesticides (31 insecticides, 11 fungicides, 4 herbicides) at recommending concentration commonly used to control diamond back moth, disease and up-land weeds in chinese cabbage field. Twenty three insecticides, eleven fungicides, and four herbicides were shown to be low toxic to C. glomerata adults in the treatment of body dipping. After insecticide spraying at recommending dose on the chinese cabbage, we examined residual effect of insecticides by introducing natural enemies on different days. Safety interval for the introduction of C. glomerata adults was established according to the residual toxicity of pesticides. Safe insecticides for the introduction of C. glomerata adults at one day after treatment (DAT) were thiacloprid, acephate, chlorfenapyr, clothianidin and at 3 DAT were imidacloprid, deltamethrin, thiamethoxam, dimethylvinphos, emamectin benzoate.

Sediment microcosm experiments were conducted for 14 and 28 days using Zn spiked sediment to examine chronic toxicity (mortality) of Diporeia spp. as a function of density and time. Mean cumulative Diporeia mortality in 28 day sediment microcosms was 25%

As the results achieved by the evaluation of toxicities on an aphid parasitoid, Aphidius colemani by 79 pesticides registered as horticultural pesticide and 4 adjuvants for pest control, 6 insecticides including a-cypermethrin, 13 fungicides including metalaxyl-M+mancozeb and 4 acaricides including bifenazate showed low toxicity against A. colemani adult. Low toxicity was showed in all the 4 adjuvants as well. In residual toxicity test from 40 pesticides which showed toxicity more than 50%, A. colemani was safe from 11 pesticides from the 3th day after treatment, 7 pesticides from the 5th day after treatment and 14 pesticides from the 7th day after treatment, respectively. But, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diflubenzuron+chlorpyrifos, etofenprox+diazinone and imidachloprid+chlorpyrifos showed high toxicities reaching 100%, 97.7%, 100% and 100% respectively, even from the 7th day after treatment. To evaluate the control effect by A. colemani against Myzus persicae in a greenhouse, A. colemani was released at parasitoid versus aphids rates of 1:50 and 1:100 when the population of M. persicae was 50 per plant. After release, aphids population remained steady for 20 days after release at the level of around 60 aphids per plant During the investigation, insecticides for thrips control and fungicides for powdery mildew control were treated, but didn"t affect the mummy forming of A. colemani. It may be suggested from these results that the selected insecticides, fungicides, acaricides and adjuvent could be incorporated into the integrated M. persicae management system with A. colemani on greenhouse cultivation.

The toxicities of 37 commercial pesticides for citrus pests were evaluated to N. fallacis. Eight fungicides (difenoconazole, imibenconazole, azoxystrobin, dithianon, fluazinam, procymidon, strep-tomycin, tribasic copper sulfate), three insecticides (dichlovos, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam) and four acaricides (milbemectin, tetradifon, dicofol, spirodiclofen) had lower effect to the hatchability of eggs N. fallacis. Six fungicides (propineb, difenoconazole, imibenconazole, azoxystrobin, dithianon, procymidon) and three acaricides (bifenazate, tetradifon, spirodiclofen) showed lower contact toxicity to adult N. fallacis. The secondary toxicity of 26 pesticides to N. fallacis adult were evaluated. Two fungicides (fluazinam, streptomycin) and 3 acaricides (machine oil, cyhexatin, halfenprox) showed low toxicity when the prey (eggs of spider mite) was treated with pesticides.