Innovative approaches to develop biomarkers for emerging contaminants in the Puget Sound
Presentation Abstract
Assessing the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) on Puget Sound aquatic resources is complicated by several important data gaps, including: 1) the lack of an understanding of mechanisms of toxicity for this broadly diverse group of contaminants, 2) a poor understanding of occurrence, distribution and environmental fate of CEC in the Puget Sound, and, 3) relevant ecological receptors for inclusion in biomonitoring. Our laboratories are approaching these data gaps by monitoring for a broad array of CEC in water and fish in Puget Sound locations that receive effluents from wastewater treatment plants, which are known sources for CEC. We are using biochemical, molecular and physiological biomarkers in an integrated approach to evaluate exposure and effects of CEC in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and adult Pacific Staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armadus). We are drawing upon the high site fidelity of staghorn sculpin in assessments of CEC-associated reproductive injury, whereas growth parameters are being analyzed in Chinook salmon. We will undertake a discovery-based biomarker approach using whole genome microarray studies in field sampled Chinook to generate new biomarkers for CEC. Important CEC identified in field studies will be further evaluated in the laboratory to provide toxicity thresholds, and to strengthen the association between CEC exposure and effects in field studies. Ultimately, the CEC biomarkers generated from this work can be applied throughout the Puget Sound region to identify sites and sources, and to better inform decision-making associated with the ecological risks of CEC. Funded by Washington Department of Ecology grant # G1300089.
Session Title
Session S-08C: Occurrences and Impacts of Emerging Contaminants
Conference Track
Emerging Contaminants and Emergencies
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2-5-2014 8:30 AM
End Date
2-5-2014 10:00 AM
Location
Room 606
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Pollutants--Research--Washington (State)--Puget Sound
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Puget Sound (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Innovative approaches to develop biomarkers for emerging contaminants in the Puget Sound
Room 606
Assessing the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) on Puget Sound aquatic resources is complicated by several important data gaps, including: 1) the lack of an understanding of mechanisms of toxicity for this broadly diverse group of contaminants, 2) a poor understanding of occurrence, distribution and environmental fate of CEC in the Puget Sound, and, 3) relevant ecological receptors for inclusion in biomonitoring. Our laboratories are approaching these data gaps by monitoring for a broad array of CEC in water and fish in Puget Sound locations that receive effluents from wastewater treatment plants, which are known sources for CEC. We are using biochemical, molecular and physiological biomarkers in an integrated approach to evaluate exposure and effects of CEC in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and adult Pacific Staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armadus). We are drawing upon the high site fidelity of staghorn sculpin in assessments of CEC-associated reproductive injury, whereas growth parameters are being analyzed in Chinook salmon. We will undertake a discovery-based biomarker approach using whole genome microarray studies in field sampled Chinook to generate new biomarkers for CEC. Important CEC identified in field studies will be further evaluated in the laboratory to provide toxicity thresholds, and to strengthen the association between CEC exposure and effects in field studies. Ultimately, the CEC biomarkers generated from this work can be applied throughout the Puget Sound region to identify sites and sources, and to better inform decision-making associated with the ecological risks of CEC. Funded by Washington Department of Ecology grant # G1300089.
