Grantee Research Project Results
Transport of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Adult Oyster Crassostrea virginica to Embryos and Larvae and Potential for Reproductive and Developmental Impairments
EPA Grant Number: R825349Title: Transport of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Adult Oyster Crassostrea virginica to Embryos and Larvae and Potential for Reproductive and Developmental Impairments
Investigators: Chu, Fu-Lin E. , Hale, Robert C. , Volety, Aswani K.
Current Investigators: Chu, Fu-Lin E. , Hale, Robert C.
Institution: College of William and Mary-VA
Current Institution: College of William and Mary-VA , Virginia Institute of Marine Science
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: December 1, 1996 through November 30, 1998
Project Amount: $247,122
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Biology (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Biology/Life Sciences , Aquatic Ecosystems
Description:
The objectives of this study are to examine uptake and route of PCB transport within an economically and ecologically important benthic filter feeder, the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and the effects of PCB exposure on lipid storage and mobilization therein. Reproductively active and inactive adults will be fed PCB- sorbed algae. To determine how PCBs sequester in the oyster lipid storage organ (i.e., gonadal/digestive diverticular complex) and are transported to the gametes (eggs), the routes for ontogenic PCBs transport in the organism will be investigated by analysis of PCBs associated with total lipids, protein, and lipoproteins from plasma, gonadal tissues, gametes, and larvae. PCB bioaccumulation in these compartments, and in gametes and larvae at different stages of development will also be measured. To determine whether any alteration in lipid mobilization/metabolism occurs due to PCB exposure, lipid class (neutral lipids, sterols, and phospholipids) composition of the oyster plasma, gonadal tissues, and eggs will be analyzed. The fatty acid composition of the eggs will also be analyzed to determine if PCB exposure interferes with maternal transposition of essential fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic (20:5-n3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6-n3) acids to eggs. To determine whether exposing PCB-sorbed algae interferes with the lipid metabolism and thus the reproductive processes, reproductive success in terms of gamete viability, number of eggs, mean egg size, percent larval survival and metamorphosis will be determined. The results of this study will lead to a better understanding of the routes and mechanisms involved in ontogenic PCB transport in bivalve molluscs and will provide information on whether exposure via PCB-sorbed algae interferes with lipid metabolism and thus the reproductive processes of this model invertebrate species.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 12 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
water, sediment, fatty acid, hemocytes, biology., RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Waste, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Bioavailability, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, Ecosystem Protection, exploratory research environmental biology, Chemical Mixtures - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, HAPS, Chemistry, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Risk Assessments, Ecological Effects - Human Health, Biology, Ecological Indicators, ecological effects, ecological exposure, ecological risk assessment, contaminant transport, larvae, PCBs, developmental effects, embryos, hemocytes, polychlorinated biphenyl, oyster, polychlorinated biphenyls, ecological impacts, PCB, lipid storage, gametes, reproductive health, benthic filter feederProgress and Final Reports:
The 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.