Some factors influencing EROD activity in winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) exposed to effluent from a pulp and paper mill.
EROD (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) activity was determined in winter flounder, a sediment-inhabiting and non-migratory fish species, living near a pulp and paper mill in Newfoundland in relation to temperature, gender, sexual maturity, and lesions in the liver. Samples of liver were taken from fish captured by SCUBA divers at 0 degrees C, 5 degrees C and 16 degrees C. Enzymic activity was detected in fish living only above 0 degrees C. Adult males and juvenile fish had higher levels of EROD activity than prespawning females at 5 degrees C. Macrophage aggregates only or occurring simultaneously with bile ductule hyperplasia and clear cell foci in the liver, did not impair EROD activity but necrosis had a negative effect. Results from this study indicate the importance of water temperature, gender, sexual maturity and liver pathology in assessing EROD activity of fish in biomonitoring programs.
Khan
R A
RA
Department of Biology and Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NF, Canada. rakhan@mun.ca
Payne
J F
JF
D000818:Animals; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D005432:Flounder / Q000502:physiology*; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D010209:Paper; D012737:Sex Factors; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013696:Temperature
D007220:Industrial Waste; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1