Grantee Research Project Results
2002 Progress Report: Are Genetic Diversity and Genetic Differentiation Bioindicators of Contaminant Impact on Natural Populations? Fundulus heteroclitus as a Model Estuarine Species
EPA Grant Number: R826593Title: Are Genetic Diversity and Genetic Differentiation Bioindicators of Contaminant Impact on Natural Populations? Fundulus heteroclitus as a Model Estuarine Species
Investigators: Newman, Michael C. , Mulvey, Margaret , Unger, Michael A. , Vogelbein, Wolfgang K.
Institution: College of William and Mary-VA
Current Institution: Virginia Institute of Marine Science , College of William and Mary-VA
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2001 (Extended to September 30, 2003)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002
Project Amount: $727,255
RFA: Ecological Indicators (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration
Objective:
The main objective of this research project is to evaluate the molecular genetic traits of the mummichog fundulus heteroclitus, as bioindicators of population-level effects of pollution.
Progress Summary:
The molecular genetic traits of the mummichog were evaluated as bioindicators of population-level effects of pollution by testing seven hypotheses: (1) populations residing in contaminated habitats are genetically distinct from populations in neighboring, clean sites; (2) populations at polluted sites exhibit lower than expected genetic variability; (3) genetic structure over a landscape reflects the mosaic of polluted and clean habitat; (4) populations at contaminated sites display tolerance to local contaminants; (5) populations at polluted sites are locally adapted and persistent, and are not replenished by recurrent migration from nearby clean sites; (6) tolerant populations exhibit suboptimal performance for fitness-related traits when reared in clean habitat, indicative of a cost of tolerance; and (7) performance of individuals and populations is related to genetic variation and lower variation is associated with poor measures of fitness.
Survey (see Figure 1) and experimental data are published except for ancillary lesions data. Correlations between genetic qualities and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations were greatly improved by organic carbon normalization of concentrations. Analyses of the field data resulted in acceptance of Hypotheses 1, 3, and 5, but not 2. Hypothesis 1 was supported by the distinct genetic qualities of AW fish. No support emerged for Hypothesis 2 from allozyme or mtDNA data. Hypothesis 3 was accepted after organic carbon normalization of PAH concentrations. Mantel analyses showed significant correlations between PAH concentration and genetic qualities of this fish (allozyme and mtDNA). Hypothesis 4 was strongly supported by statistical testing of differences in embryonic development for interestuarine (Elizabeth River versus York River) populations, and for intra-estuarine (Elizabeth River sites) populations. Embryos produced from AW adults and reared in clean mesocosms retained their high tolerance. In contrast, embryos produced from fish from the clean York River (CI) were much more sensitive. Fish from other Elizabeth River sites were intermediate in their sensitivity. Hypothesis 5 was supported by the distinct genetic qualities and tolerance of AW fish, despite high effective migration rates (10 to 18 migrants per generation) among sites. Experiments associated with Hypotheses 6 and 7 were repeated this year to enhance statistical power, but no evidence of suboptimal performance was detected. Hypothesis 6 was rejected based on results of these experiments. Rejection of Hypotheses 2 and 6 made Hypothesis 7 irrelevant.
In summary, genetic differentiation, but not genetic diversity, was an effective bioindicator of a population-level effect of contamination.
Figure 1. The Original (Panel B, Nine South Branch sites), and New (Panel A, Four York River Sites and Four Eastern Branch Elizabeth River Sites) Sites From Which Mummichog Genetic Data Were Collected.
Future Activities:
A no-cost extension was granted to allow refinement and repetition of the experiments associated with Hypotheses 6 and 7.
Journal Articles on this Report : 3 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other project views: | All 13 publications | 4 publications in selected types | All 4 journal articles |
---|
Type | Citation | ||
---|---|---|---|
|
Mulvey M, Newman MC, Vogelbein W, Unger MA. Genetic structure of Fundulus heteroclitus from PAH-contaminated and neighboring sites in the Elizabeth and York Rivers. Aquatic Toxicology 2002;61(3-4):195-209. |
R826593 (2002) R826593 (Final) |
Exit Exit |
|
Mulvey M, Newman MC, Vogelbein WK, Unger MA, Ownby DR. Genetic structure and mtDNA diversity of Fundulus heteroclitus populations from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2003;22(3):671-677. |
R826593 (2002) R826593 (Final) |
|
|
Ownby DR, Newman MC, Mulvey M, Vogelbein WK, Unger MA, Arzayus LF. Fish (Fundulus heteroclitus) populations with different exposure histories differ in tolerance of creosote-contaminated sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2002;21(9):1897-1902. |
R826593 (2002) R826593 (Final) |
|
Supplemental Keywords:
water, watersheds, sediments, estuary, ecological effects, carcinogen, genetic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, PAH, indicators, Chesapeake Bay., RFA, Health, Geographic Area, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, Ecosystem Protection, exploratory research environmental biology, Risk Assessments, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecological Indicators, Chesapeake Bay, risk assessment, EMAP, monitoring, bioindicator, molecular genetics, fundulus heteroclitus, genetic variability, human exposure, ecosystem indicators, estuarine ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, contaminant impactProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.