CHEMICAL ACCUMULATION AND TOXICOLOGICAL STRESS IN 3 BROWN BULLHEAD (AMEIURUS-NEBULOSUS) POPULATIONS OF THE DETROIT RIVER, MICHIGAN, USA

Three populations of brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) were sampled in the Detroit River and analyzed for concentrations of persistent or ganic contaminants as well as incidences of external lesions and liver histopathology. Chemical analysis revealed that both the sediments an d the bullheads of the Trenton Channel had the highest concentrations of organochlorine compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compared with the other two sites (Amherstburg Channel and Peche Island). Furthermore, the Trenton Channel bullhead p opulation had a higher prevalence of external abnormalities such as li p and skin lesions as well as truncated barbels. Histopathological ana lysis of the livers revealed higher prevalences of cholangiocarcinomas . cholangiomas, and other lesions in the Trenton Channel population. T hese observations support the conclusion that the health of the Trento n Channel bullhead population in the Detroit River is affected by expo sure to organic chemicals, primarily through exposure to contaminated sediments.