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Indicators of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in brown bullhead from a remediated and an unremediated site

Conference ·
OSTI ID:367474
;  [1]
  1. Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH (United States)

Exposure to PAH in fish is indicated by the induction of cytochrome P4501A1 and its monooxygenase activities. Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) from PAH-contaminated sites in the Black River, Ohio and from Hamilton Harbor, Ontario have a history of hepatic carcinoma. The Black River site has been remediated by dredging in 1990. Brown bullhead from this site was compared to those from unremediated Hamilton Harbor. A monooxygenase assay for ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) was used to determine catalytic activity in liver. In addition, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify cytochrome P4501A1 induction in hepatic microsomes. Liver weight to body weight ratios were also examined. These parameters were compared among brown bullhead from remediated Black River, unremediated Hamilton Harbor, and uncontaminated control sites in Ohio. EROD levels were greater in fish from Hamilton Harbor than in fish from the Black River, though EROD levels from the Black River were still significantly greater than from control sites.

OSTI ID:
367474
Report Number(s):
CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English