No abstract

Concentrations of highly carboxylated porphyrins (HCPs) in the livers of adult herring gulls (Larus argentatus) from colonies throughout the Great Lakes were found to be markedly elevated in comparison with those in gulls from coastal areas and in seven other species of birds consuming diets uncontaminated with polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs). The highes levels were found in gulls from lower Green Bay (Lake Michigan), Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) ant Lake Ontario. We suggest that the high levels of HCPs reflect PHAH‐induced derangement of heme biosynthesis. Determination of HCPs offers promise as a specific and sensitive biological marker of PHAH‐induced toxicity and as a measure of the toxicological significance of the chemical burden in gulls, terminal members of Great Lakes food chains.

No abstract

The occupational or environmental exposure of selected populations to lead, either alone or in combination with other metals, was monitored using ratios of the activity of the erythrocytic enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase. The results obtained have reaffirmed earlier findings that this test affords several significant advantages over the use of the enzyme's activity value measured at a set pH value and other types of activity ratios to assess lead exposure. Furthermore, the activity ratios' proven sensitivity, reliability, reproducibility, specificity and stability warrant that they be considered as viable alternatives to the more widely accepted diagnostic criteria of lead intoxication namely zinc protoporphyrin and lead levels in blood.

The 1H nmr spectrum previously reported for Ruhemann's Purple is shown to be inconsistent with the accepted structure of this material. The discrepancy with the reported 1H nmr spectrum is shown to be due to the presence of a major impurity, identified as hydrindantin. Spectra (1H nmr, 3C nmr, ir, uv–visible) of Ruhemann's Purple, its protonated analogue DYDA, and other ninhydrin relatives are reported, and structural conclusions are based on these spectral data.