PARENT SESSION

2P Modelling ecotoxic effects
Poster Hall
8:30 AM - Monday, 28 April 2003

(MOP/142) Effects of Paper Mill Effluents and Mill Process Modifications on Reproductive Function of Florida Largemouth Bass.

Holm, Stewart¹, Gross, Timothy^{2, 3}, Sepulveda, Maria², Noggle, Jessica², Quinn, Brian², ¹ Georgia Pacific Corp., Atlanta, GA, US² University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, US³ USGS-FISC, Gainesville, FL, US

ABSTRACT- Results from our laboratory have demonstrated altered reproductive biomarkers for largemouth bass downstream from a papermill in Florida, as well as for bass exposed to effluents in the laboratory. These effects included decreased plasma sex steroids, vitellogenin and gonado-somatic index (GSI). Chemical characterization of mill effluents and fish exposures indicated expsoure to both chlorinated and naturally derived components. The current study evaluated largemouth bass exposed under laboratory and natural conditions, pre (2000-2001) and post (2002) mill process modifications. The GP Palatka mill converted to elemental-chlorine-free bleaching sequences during 2001, as well as modifcations to secondary treatment duirng 2001-2002. Fish were exposed to 0%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 80% effluents in the laboratory and to natural levels within Rice Creek, the effluent receiving stream for the mill. Fish (20 male and 20 female) were sacrificed following 56 days of expsoure in the laboratory and during March from field sites during 2000, 2001 and 2002. Fish were processed to include measures of GSI and plasma estradiol, 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) and vitellogenin (Vtg). Water and bile were analyzed for selected chlorinated compounds, resin acids and phytosterols. In general, results pre-process modifications, were at effluent concentartions of 20% and greater and indicated decreased GSI and plasma estradiol, 11KT and Vtg. Effects post-process modifications, were similar, but at concentrations of 40% and greater. Naturally exposed bass exhibited similar effects but at reduced magnitude than under laboratory conditions. Chemical analyses demonstrated non-detectable chlorinated prodcuts as well as a 60% reduction in naturally derived components. These results demonstrate significant alterations in biomarker effects for bass exposed to effluents post-process as compared to pre-process modifications. The results continue to sugegst naturally derived chemical components in these effects. Multi-exposure studies with largemouth bass may be useful as screeing and testing procedures to evaluate mill-process modifications and to identify chemical components involved in the induction of effects. (Funding provided by Georgia Pacific Corp.)

Key words: largemouth bass, papermill effluents, reproductive, process modifcations