The sublethal effects of petroleum refinery effluents: Mixed function oxygenase (MFO) induction in rainbow trout

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:458302

Sherry, J; Scott, B; Parrott, J; Hodson, P; Rao, S ^[1]

---

1. Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario (Canada)

Canada uses a single biological parameter which is based on the ability of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to survive a 24 hour exposure to assess and regulate the toxicity of refinery effluents. The acute toxicity of Canadian refinery effluents is generally well controlled. Long term exposures to sublethal toxicants, which are not covered by the current regulations, could have adverse ecological effects. Since PAHs, such as benzo(a)pyrene, can occur in refinery effluents, the authors tested the hypothesis that refinery effluents can induce mixed-function oxygenase measured as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD) activity in fish. Two end of pipe effluent samples were collected from each of four Ontario refineries. All effluents induced EROD activity in young trout in a dose dependent manner. The EROD parameter has potential as a bioindicator of exposure to refinery effluents. The samples were also tested for toxicity to fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae and to a fish cell line (Ictalurus nebulosus). Fathead minnow growth was significantly reduced by six out of eight samples, and larval survival was affected by one sample. The in vitro data were less consistent: weak toxicity was detected in some samples but the dose response relationship was poor. Direct acting mutagens were detected in two effluents using the Ames Fluctuation assay.

• OSTI ID: 458302
• Report Number(s): CONF-961149--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BENZOPYRENE
BIOASSAY
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ONTARIO
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION