Biomarker assessment of the effects of petroleum refinery contamination on channel catfish.

ABSTRACT

A suite of biomarkers was used to evaluate acute (1- and 7-day) heavy metal-induced toxicity in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, caged at an abandoned petroleum refinery and a non-contaminated reference site. Assays performed include indicators of metabolic, hematological, osmoregulatory, and genotoxic stress. Two cage designs were utilized to evaluate the importance of exposure routes one allowing exclusive contact with the water column and the other allowing contact with water and sediments. Data collected at 1 and 7 days postexposure indicated that the experimental fish were stressed, having significant increases in blood glucose. After 7 days of exposure, two hemodynamic parameters, hemoglobin and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, were significantly increased. There were no significant differences observed in other parameters measured.