Integrated Biomarkers for Assessing the Exposure and Effects of Endocrine Disruptors and Other Contaminants on Marine/Estuarine Fish: Research Project Summary
Date
2008-11
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Publisher
Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology
Abstract
The development of fish biomarkers can be a powerful tool in assessing the status and trends of contaminants in estuaries, as well as the effectiveness of ongoing and future source control/cleanup. The goal of this research was to examine a suite of biomarkers and develop those that can provide an integrated measure of contaminant exposure from multiple contaminants including endocrine disruptors and provide a gauge of estuarine/marine water quality and ecosystem health. Mummichog or killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), a common and abundant species, was collected from five sites including Newark Bay, Piles Creek, Sandy Hook, Union Beach and Tuckerton, New Jersey (NJ) for this study. These sites were selected to represent a contaminant gradient with elevated concentrations in Newark Bay to the reference location at Tuckerton. In addition, preliminary sampling was carried out examining biomarkers in White Perch (Morone americana) from the Delaware River, Hackensack River, Passaic River and near Tuckerton, NJ. Biomarkers included external examinations, blood parameters, organ to body weight ratios, histopathology, and biochemical endpoints. Vitellogenin concentrations were examined as a biomarker of endocrine disruption in both species.
Description
Keywords
New Jersey, Biochemical markers