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Assessment of bioaccumulated metal and organochlorine compounds in relation to physiological biomarkers in Kootenai River white sturgeon
Author(s) -
Kruse G. O.,
Scarnecchia D. L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of applied ichthyology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1439-0426
pISSN - 0175-8659
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00381.x
Subject(s) - wildlife , sturgeon , fish <actinopterygii> , citation , library science , white (mutation) , geography , fishery , ecology , biology , computer science , gene , biochemistry
Summary This study used biomarker research in order to determine potential physiological effects of bioaccumulated metal and organochlorine compounds in juvenile and adult Kootenai River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). Wild adult and hatchery-reared and released juvenile sturgeon were captured using hook and line, small-mesh multi-filament gillnets, setlines and angling gear. Biomarker parameters that were assessed include whole-body tissue residues, acetylcho- linesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), DNA chromosomal variability and liver histology in juveniles as well as ovarian tissue residues, plasma steroids, egg size and DNA chromosome variability in adults. Results from chem- ical residue analysis indicated that several metal and two organochlorine compounds were at levels that could poten- tially affect reproduction or other physiological functions in the sturgeon. The results also suggested a decrease in egg size and AChE levels as well as altered hormone production and increased genetic mutation due to bioaccumulated levels of the detected metal and organochlorine compounds. In conclusion, contaminants in the Kootenai River system are potentially creating additional stress (perhaps in the form of diminished function) on the white sturgeon population. However, further research in the form of laboratory testing, in-situ studies and long-term trend monitoring will better define any relationships between bioaccumulation of envi- ronmental contaminants and the decline in the Kootenai River white sturgeon population.