Ecological Risk Assessment of Perchlorate in Avian Species, Rodents, Amphibians and Fish: FY2004

Abstract : Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX) (99 % pure) was obtained from SRI International (Menlo Park, CA, USA). Dosing solutions were renewed every 3 d and analyzed with reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography to ensure concentration. Dosing water bottles were weighed at the time of water change to monitor water consumption by deer mice. Twenty three breeding pairs of virgin male and female deer mice were obtained from the Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center (University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA). Mice were allowed to acclimate for one week. Breeding pairs were housed separately in standard rodent cages (approximately 29 x 18 x 14 cm) lined with laboratory grade aspen bedding (Harlan Teklad, Madison, WI, USA). Cages were located in rooms with temperatures ranging from 18.3- 25.6 C, 25-75% relative humidity, and 16:8 h light:dark period. Food and water were provided manually, checked daily, and available ad libitum to mice. Food used was Purina Certified Rodent Chow No. 5002 (Purina Mills, St. Louis, MO, USA). Experiments and housing were conducted in compliance with Texas Tech University's Animal Use and Care Committee's guidelines.