Biomonitoring using pocket gophers at Rocky Mountain Arsenal
- Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO (United States). Dept. of Environmental Health
The pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius) is a potentially useful biomonitoring species for sites with soil-borne contaminants. These animals typically have a relatively small home range and spend nearly all of their lives in burrows. They feed primarily on plant roots and, in addition, use their incisor teeth to loosen soil when digging tunnels. These characteristics mean that pocket gophers are likely to be extensively exposed to soil contaminants. The pocket gopher is among the species selected for the Terrestrial Biomonitoring Program at Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA). Populations are evaluated in representative sections at RMA comprising areas of high and low soil contamination levels as well as at an off-site reference location. The study incorporates assessment of biochemical markers potentially responsive to RMA contaminants, including hepatic enzyme activities (cytochrome P-450 and glutathione S-transferase), renal porphyrin levels and biogenic amine concentrations in the brain. Residue data is also obtained for correlation with biomarker results.
- OSTI ID:
- 37415
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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