Molinate is thiocarbamate herbicide used primarily in rice production. Chondrogenesis is a multistep process that is essential for endocondral bone formation. The transcription factor Sox9 has an essential role during the sequential steps of chondrocyte differentiation. Bombina orientalis is one of the most common amphibians in the world and comprises a large proportion of their total number. We examined the embryotoxic and survival effects of molinate at various concentration in B. orientalis embryos. The survival rates of embryos at 312h post fertilization treated with molinate was decreased with concentration dependent manner. Also, developmental malformations appeared by molinate in B. orientalis embryos. the expression levels of Sox9 mRNA was examined by RT-PCR. In our result showed that Sox9 expression was found to be increased in malformed tadpole compared to normal tadpole. These results suggested that molinate was detrimental for survival and development of B. orientalis embryo.

The toxicity of 54 selected process effluents of 16 industry classifications in Korea was evaluated by bioassay test using fish Oryzias latipes, invertebrate Daphnia magna, algae Selenastrum capricornutum and bacteria Vibrio fischeri. Our results demonstrate that the toxicity assessment, such as bioassay test, is effective and of practical use for industrial wastewater management in 54 selected effluents with the limitation of the physico-chemical permit. Among 54 effluents, 4 sample failed physico-chemical permit limitation and 50 passed it. The physcio-chemical measurement items and permit concentrations on the present Water Quality Conservation Act are low related a ecotoxicity.