Toxicity of Aroclor® 1254 and its physiological activity in several estuarine organisms

Abstract

The occurrence of high concentrations of a PCB (Aroclor 1254) in the Pensacola estuary prompted field and laboratory studies by the Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory (EPA). Monitoring of the estuary indicates the chemical is present in all components--particularly in sediments and fishes. Residues appear to be diminishing in sediments. Toxicity tests show estuarine species sensitive at ppb concentrations in water, with a ciliate protozoan (Tetrahymena pyriformis W), (Fundulus similis), affected at or near 1.0 ppb. Tissue concentrations of Aroclor 1254 similar to those found in natural populations of shrimps from the contaminated estuary were successfully duplicated in laboratory experiments. Shrimps also concentrated the PCB from very low concentrations (0.04 ppb) in the water. Three estuarine species demonstrated pathologic changes at tissue and cellular level after chronic exposure to the chemical. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) developed abnormal infiltration of leukocytes in the connective tissue, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) developed fatty changes in their livers, and shrimp (Penaeus duorarum) developed crystalloids in hepatopancreatic nuclei.

The ultrastructure of the liver of the rainbow trout: normal structure and modifications after chronic administration of a polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclor 1254

“…The endothelial cells had a few short cytoplasmic extensions into the sinusoidal lumen, smoothcoated pinocytotic vesicles at the plasma membrane, and smooth-surfaced vesicles in the cytoplasm; however, none was seen that was rich the light microscope degenerative liver changes 2Martin Feed Mills, Elmira, Ontario. and lipid accumulation have been seen in two 3Generously supplied by Monsanto Canada Ltd., species of fish exposed to PCB's (13,37). in lysosomes, that had many cytoplasmic projections, or whose cytoplasm was protuberant into the sinusoidal lumen, criteria described by Ogawa et al (40) for the identification of Kupffer cells.…”

Analysis of Metals in Blue Crabs, Callinectes sapidus, from Two Connecticut Estuaries

“…Because of their omnivorous feeding characteristics and association with sediments, blue crabs are exposed and may potentially accumulate significant amount of pollutants above background seawater concentrations (Nimmo et al 1975;VanderOost et al 1988). This species represents one of the most valuable fishery resources in the southern states.…”

Deformity, Erosion, Lesion, and Tumor Occurrence, Fluctuating Asymmetry, and Population Parameters for Bluntnose Minnow (Pimephales notatus) as Indicators of Recovering Water Quality in a Great Lakes Area of Concern, USA

“…Our results found that test fish that did not show external DELT or fluctuating asymmetry had internal effects consistent with contaminant effects (100 %). Contaminants such as PCBs can have negative effects on internal organs including the liver (Nimmo et al 1975;Hansen et al 1976;Freeman et al 1982;Cleland et al 1998;Orn et al 1998). Significant occurrence of internal organ anomalies and destruction of gonadal tissues was the usual situation in Grand Calumet River reaches.…”