Heiko Schoenfuss, biology professor and director of the Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory.
These contaminants of emerging concern were found in Great Lakes tributaries by researchers from St. Cloud State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey.
“Our research found that contaminants of emerging concern are widespread in U.S. tributaries and are likely affecting the health of the fish in those waters,” said Heiko Schoenfuss, St. Cloud State biology professor. “We found patterns of biological effects in fish in waters with higher levels of these pollutants.”
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Contaminants of emerging concern are compounds that have only recently been detected in the environment. Most are biologically active, although little is known about effects of exposure to these contaminants, as compared to better-known pollutants like mercury and the insecticide DDT.
One study tested surface water and sediments at 78 sites in 12 Great Lakes tributaries in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and New York. Scientists detected complex mixtures of contaminants of emerging concern and the mixtures differed depending on human activity within the watershed.
Pharmaceuticals, flame retardants and personal care products were often detected in urban areas, while pesticides and sterols were commonly detected in agricultural areas.
Some chemicals were found at levels above those expected to cause adverse effects. Those effects can include increased liver size, reproductive problems and feminine characteristics in male fish.
“Our research found that contaminants of emerging concern are widespread in U.S. tributaries.”
The second study examined impacts of contaminants of emerging concern on fish in six rivers feeding into the Great Lakes. Fish examined in showed signs of stress, likely in response to chemical contamination.
Researchers found more adverse effects to fish health in streams with more pollutants. However, they were unable to tie adverse effects to specific chemicals or classes of chemicals.
These studies contribute to a better understanding of the broad range of contaminants fish and wildlife are exposed to and how fish health may be affected. The results should guide future study, inform restoration and support management of natural resources.
The studies were published today in the scientific journal PLOS One. They detail data collected in 2013 and 2014.
The work was supported by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey and St. Cloud State.
