Tolerance and stress in a polluted environment: The case of the mummichog. [Fundulus heteroclitus]

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Bioscience; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1310907· OSTI ID:6832659

Weis, J S; Weis, P ^[1]

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1. Rutgers Univ., Newark, NJ (USA)

Studies are presented that provide insights into the possible costs of embryonic tolerance to meHg in Fundulus: heteroclitus decreased salinity and HgCl{sub 2} tolerance of eggs and embryos and slower growth and weakness as adults. Teh slower regeneration of adults and increased mortality in meHe probably reflect the stress of living in a contaminated environment. The fish start out as tolerant embryos, but their larval tolerance is comparable to that of the reference population, and by the time they are adults, they appear to be worn down and stressed. Signs of stress in the adults include early reproduction, diminished growth and regeneration rate, reduced longevity, and less feeding.

• OSTI ID: 6832659
• Journal Information: Bioscience; (USA), Journal Name: Bioscience; (USA) Vol. 39:2; ISSN 0006-3568; ISSN BISNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
EMBRYOS
FEEDING
FISHES
GROWTH
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
METHYLMERCURY
MORTALITY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SENSITIVITY
TOLERANCE
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES
WATER POLLUTION