Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticides and Sex Steroids in Lower Niagara River Lake Sturgeon

• DOI: 10.3996/072013-jfwm-048
• Publication Date: 2014-03-27T23:05:41Z
• Authors: Gregory R. Jacobs; Deke T. Gundersen; Molly A. H. Webb; Dimitry Gorsky; Kristina Kohl; Kelsey Lockwood
• Keywords: Lake sturgeon

Abstract As a long-lived, late-maturing species, lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation of contaminants, which may impact reproductive physiology. The purpose this study was use nondestructive method investigate relationship between endocrine-disrupting contaminants and sex steroids in from lower Niagara River. We screened blood plasma samples River (n = 63) during April May 2012 for concentrations 17 organochlorine (OC) that affect endocrine function, as well abnormal levels testosterone (T) 17β-estradiol (E2). found detectable two OC sturgeon, DDE 21) γ-BHC 1). In both cases, contaminant concentration below known adversely addition, qualitative analysis chromatographs extracts did not show presence other peaks matched polychlorinated biphenyl standard peaks. Comparisons steroid with those others literature gave no indication disruption, though T were notably high population. conclude threshold scientific would physiology, it is unlikely significant contaminant-mediated disruption occurring