Evidence of Exposure to Estrogenic Compounds in Fishes Collected at Great Lakes Areas of Concern

Session: 07. - Effects of Environmental Contamination on Fish Communities

Vicki Blazer, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Sean Rafferty, Pennsylvania Sea Grant College Program, [email protected]
Heather Walsh, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Luke Iwanowicz, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Ryan Braham, United States Geological Survey, [email protected]

Abstract

Historically contaminants such as PCBs, PAHs, organochlorines and heavy metals have been the major concerns at Areas of Concern (AOCs). More recently, chemicals of emerging concern from point sources such as wastewater treatment plants and industry, and nonpoint sources such as agricultural and urban/suburban runoff have been measured in water, sediment and fish tissue. Chemicals include synthetic and natural hormones, pesticides, brominated diphenyl ethers, and chemicals in plastics and personal care products. Estrogenic chemicals are perhaps the most commonly identified. Plasma vitellogenin (an egg yolk precursor) and testicular oocytes (intersex) in male fishes have been used as biomarkers of estrogenic exposure worldwide. These markers were measured in black bass species, smallmouth and largemouth, which have been shown to be sensitive species, as well as brown bullhead and white sucker, indicators species for the fish tumors or other deformities beneficial use impairment, at ten AOC and five non-AOC sites. While vitellogenin was measured in plasma from some male fish of all species, testicular oocytes were only observed in the bass species. To better understand mechanisms and possible risk factors these findings were evaluated in association with chemical concentrations in water and sediment as well as hepatic gene expression.

1. Keyword
fish

2. Keyword
bioindicators

3. Keyword
environmental health