Resin Acids in Bile Samples From Fish Inhabiting Marine Waters Affected by Pulp Mill Effluents

Abstract

Cellulose production in Chile has increased noticeably during recent years. Some pulp mill currently released effluents into the ocean, a trend that most these plants seem likely to continue in the future. No standardized protocols exist for evaluating potential environmental effects of such dumping in the marine environment. Resin acids, typical components in cellulose effluents, are known to be highly toxic, particularly for fish. Few investigations have considered this matter for the south area of Golfo de Arauco, one of the most productive areas on the planet in terms of fisheries. This area is currently subjected to effluent dumping from a kraft cellulose industry with secondary treatment. Resin acids are naturally present in conifer wood, making these compounds useful markers for exposure to this type of effluent. Herein, we report the presence of these compounds in bile from two fish species (Paralychtys adspersus and Paralychtys microps) caught in two seasons in the Bahía de Horcones at the southern mouth of Golfo de Arauco, central Chile, an area affected by cellulose effluent dumping. Dehydroabietic acid (17,5 ug/g in average) was found in the bile samples of the fish.

Endocrine disruption in aquatic species of Chile

“…The studies on saltwater fish were related to three coastal marine locations off the coast of central Chile, from north to south, on the Cobquecura coast, Itata river mouth, and Coliumo Bay (Leonardi et al 2012), and Horcones Bay at the southern mouth of the Gulf of Arauco, central-southern Chile (Hernández et al 2008).…”

Microbial Conversion of Toxic Resin Acids

“…A decrease in RA concentration in water bodies is possible due to bioaccumulation of the latter in hydrobionts [4]. Concentration of RAs in fish can exceed the same value in water [31].…”

“…Because of the shortcomings of the existing treatment systems and high chemical stability of RAs, they accumulate (up to 1500 mg/L) in nearby water bodies. In natural environments, RA concentration decreases due to sorption on solids and bottom sedimentation, as well as due to accumulation in aquatic organisms [4]. Accumulated in tissues and organs of the aquatic biota representatives, RAs cause irreversible negative effects, like red blood cell hemolysis, hepatocellular damage, and ATP depletion of nerve cells [5,6].…”

Steroidal Metabolites in Chilean River Sediments Influenced by Pulp Mill Effluents

“…1 The generation of effluents from the production of cellulose, affects mainly to the Central Southern zone, in the Biobío basin region and have identified as a potential source of endocrinal activity in the receiving water bodies [2][3][4] due to the presence, among others, of wood extractives such as fatty acids, sterols, phenolic compounds and terpenes (di and triterpenes are emphasized). 5,6 Investigations carried out intended to recognize its real dimension are scarce but in constant development. 2,7 This kind of compounds can cause physiological abnormalities 1,5,8 or even morphological.…”

“…5,6 Investigations carried out intended to recognize its real dimension are scarce but in constant development. 2,7 This kind of compounds can cause physiological abnormalities 1,5,8 or even morphological. 3 Orrego et al 7,9 stated an increased size and precocious gonad maturity in females as well as an increase in the plasmatic vitelogenine in juvenile males of Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to sediments influenced by effluents derived from the cellulose production in the Biobío River.…”