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Cancer in wild freshwater fish populations with emphasis on the Great Lakes

Journal Article · · J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States)
Papillomas in white sucker, gonadal tumors in carp x goldfish hybrids, and thyroid hyperplasia in coho salmon seem to be widespread in occurrence throughout the Great Lakes. In all cases, however, tumor incidence increases near areas contaminated by industrial effluents such as polychlorinated biphenyls, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Liver tumors in bullhead occur frequently at a site with large amounts of PAH in the sediment, and liver tumors in sauger and walleye occur in a lake which has been a dump site for copper mine wastes. Therefore, tumor incidence in certain species of fish may be a sensitive indicator of the level of carcinogenic compounds in the environment. The Great Lakes apparently contain a number of localized areas in which carcinogenic contaminants are now affecting the health of resident fish species. 15 references.
Research Organization:
Columbia National Fisheries Research Lab., MO
OSTI ID:
5193581
Journal Information:
J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States) Vol. 10:3; ISSN JGLRD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English