Biomarkers of PAH exposure in fish

Many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mutagenic and carcinogenic, and some may cause reproductive toxicity in fish. The purpose of this study is to develop biomarkers of PAH effects on fathead minnows (P. promelas). Mesocosms will be treated with the wood preservative creosote (composition is ca. 80% as PAHs). The authors anticipate that metabolism of PAHs by fish will generate free radicals that damage DNA and cause liver tumors. Rainbow trout (RBT) (0. mykiss) and fathead minnows (FHM) will be exposed to a range of waterborne creosote concentrations below the LC,, values (5.66 mg/L for RBT and 5.97 mg/L for FHM). Fish liver, muscle, intestine, and bile will be removed to measure (1) PAH biotransformation (EROD activity and concentration of PAH metabolites in bile), (2) oxidative stress (retinoic acid, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels), and (3) genotoxicity (micronucleus induction, DNA strand breaks, and DNA adducts). Biomarkers will be considered suitable for application when results are repeatable, show exposure dependency, and respond at sublethal concentrations typical of contaminated ecosystems.