Chemical accumulation and toxicological stress in three brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) populations of the Detroit River, Michigan, USA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Three populations of brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) were sampled in the Detroit River and analyzed for concentrations of persistent organic contaminants as well as incidences of external lesions and liver histopathology. Chemical analysis revealed that both the sediments and the bullheads of the Trenton Channel had the highest concentrations of organochlorine compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compared with the other two sites (Amherstburg Channel and Peche Island). Furthermore, the Trenton Channel bullhead population had a higher prevalence of external abnormalities such as lip and skin lesions as well as truncated barbels. Histopathological analysis of the livers revealed higher prevalences of cholangiocarcinomas, cholangiomas, and other lesions in the Trenton Channel population. These observations support the conclusion that the health of the Trenton Channel bullhead population in the Detroit River is affected by exposure to organic chemicals, primarily through exposure to contaminated sediments.