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The effects of urbanization on Lepomis macrochirus using the comet assay
Citation:
Otter, R., J. Meier, K. Kubach, Jim Lazorchak, AND S. Klaine. The effects of urbanization on Lepomis macrochirus using the comet assay. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 84(10):299-303, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
This investigation found that the comet assay technique, validated with cultured bluegill in the laboratory, was easily applied to samples obtained from field-collected bluegill. The highest amount of DNA strand breaks in field-collected bluegill was observed at sites below the urbanized section of the study area. Sediment screening concentrations of PAHs analyzed at each site indicated that PAHs may be contributing the DNA strand breaks observed, but they were likely not the only genotoxic compounds present in the system.
Description:
Urbanization has been linked to increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in natural waterways. This study was designed to examine the impact of urbanization and a wastewater treatment plant by investigating the impact on field-collected bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). Results show a significant increase in DNA strand breaks in blood cells (comet assay) linked to urbanization and a reduction in DNA strand breaks downstream of the WWTP, likely the result of dilution. A laboratory study exposing Lepomis macrochirus to the known mutagen, methyl methanesulfonate, was performed to validate the comet assay endpoints in this species. Results of the laboratory study showed the comet assay endpoints of tail length and tail extent moment responded in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Habitat quality assessments, along with chemical concentrations of polycyclic hydrocarbons in sediments showed that habitat quality between all sites were similar and that hydrocarbons likely contributed to the DNA strand breaks observed.
