Products of biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fishes of the Athabasca/Slave river system, Canada

Ohiozebau, Ehimai; Tendler, Brett; Hill, Allison; Codling, Garry; Kelly, Erin; Giesy, John P.; Jones, Paul D.

doi:10.1007/s10653-015-9744-6

Cited by 26 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Although fish health endpoints recovered somewhat in 2013, this was not evident in levels of induction in either male or female white sucker livers [8]. Ohiozebau et al [15] also identified increased concentrations of PAHs in the bile of fish collected from Fort McKay which is closest to the Muskeg AR DS M4 site in the studies here. EROD activity was always highest at one of the deposit sites downstream of development with induction in fish from the deposit but upstream of development site (AR DS M3) often intermediate.…”

Section: Natural Background Variabilitymentioning

confidence: 79%

Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment of the Athabasca River Mainstem Oil Sands Area Using White Sucker Health

McMaster

Tetreatult

Clark

et al. 2018

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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The Governments of Canada and Alberta designed an environmental monitoring plan for the lower Athabasca River between Fort McMurray and its confluence with Lake Athabasca. This plan, known as the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Plan (JOSM), included monitoring aquatic ecosystem health with a focus on wild fish in the mainstem of the Athabasca River. The fish health program for JOSM used endpoints developed through Canada's Environmental Effects Monitoring Programs for the pulp and paper and metal mining sectors under Canada's Fisheries Act. Fish can be sensitive to multiple stressors, are critical components of aquatic ecosystems, and have significant social and economic value. The objective of the fish component of the aquatic monitoring program was to provide necessary data and supporting information to address key questions regarding both environmental health of fish populations and fish health issues related to use and consumption. The JOSM mainstem program consisted of large bodied fish health assessments at five stations and small bodied fish health assessments at nine stations on the Athabasca River. The large bodied white sucker were sensitive indicators of fish health in the system as consistent changes in fish health downstream, within the oil sands deposit were documented. These differences were indicative of nutrient enrichment as white sucker had increased condition and increased levels of internal fat stores relative to fish upstream of the oil sands area. The fish biomarker, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity, was a good indicator of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and indicated the potential for increased exposure to these compounds downstream of oil sands development. Tiers and triggers are being developed for the program to predict change into the future and to be used in management decisions for further development in the area.

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Section: Natural Background Variabilitymentioning

confidence: 79%

Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment of the Athabasca River Mainstem Oil Sands Area Using White Sucker Health

McMaster

Tetreatult

Clark

et al. 2018

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment

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“…Dorsal muscle tissues were stored in 125-mL amber jars at -18°C. These samples were also analyzed for PAHs (Ohiozebau et al 2016a(Ohiozebau et al , 2016b.…”

Section: Collection Of Fishesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concentrations of Metals in Fishes from the Athabasca and Slave Rivers of Northern Canada

Tendler

Ohiozebau

Codling

et al. 2020

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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There is growing concern about possible effects of exploitation of the Alberta Oil Sands on the ambient environment, including possible effects on populations of fishes in the Athabasca River and farther downstream in Lake Athabasca and the Slave River. In the present study, concentrations of metals in dorsal muscle tissue of 5 fish species-goldeye, northern pike, walleye, whitefish, and burbot-from the Slave, Peace, and Athabasca Rivers were quantified. A suite of 25 metals including As, Hg, Se, Tl, and V was analyzed. Most metals exhibited no significant variations in concentration among locations. Concentrations of 5 metals, As, Hg, Se, Tl, and V, revealed significant variations among locations and were of sufficient magnitude to be of interest. Concentrations of Hg did not vary significantly among locations; however, because it was detected at concentrations of concern and the use of the selected fishes was a local source of food for humans and pets, it was of interest. Concentrations of As, Se, Tl, and V in dorsal muscle of certain fishes in the farthest downstream sites on the Slave River were greater than those in the same tissues and species in the farther upstream sites on the Peace and Athabasca Rivers. This phenomenon was most prevalent with Tl and to a lesser extent with As and Se. Nevertheless, concentrations were not of concern for the health of human consumers. Although metals did not appear to be increased in fish in the Alberta Oil Sands region in the present study, further research is needed to understand the potential impacts.

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“…Acute toxicity to early life stages of fish may be a relevant indicator, but documenting changes using this measurement can be challenging in field settings. Changes in fish associated with chemical stressors have also been observed during field studies, but the detected differences are largely limited to the induction of biochemical markers of exposure, occurrence of PACs in fish muscle, PAC biotransformation products, and changes in reproductive physiology (Tetreault et al 2003;Ohiozebau et al 2016Ohiozebau et al , 2017Arens et al 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increased size and relative abundance of migratory fishes observed near the Athabasca oil sands

Arciszewski

Munkittrick

Kilgour

et al. 2017

FACETS

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Responses to chemical and physical stressors are commonly expected among organisms residing near the Athabasca oil sands. Physiological effects have been observed in fishes during field studies; but further effects associated with development are not clear or consistent among species. For instance, data from a fish fence in 2009 show declines in the relative abundances of some species, including Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus). In contrast, increases were seen in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). This divergence suggests incomplete understanding of the status of fishes residing near the oil sands. However, an important challenge limiting understanding is the lack of reliable baseline or reference data. To overcome this challenge, we used iterative normal ranges and a historical data set (electrofishing surveys done from 1987 to 2014) to determine if changes have occurred in fishes captured in the lower Athabasca River. These analyses revealed clear increases in the lengths of white sucker and walleye (Sander vitreus) and their relative abundances during the spawning season. The occurrence of these changes may be associated with overwintering location, but reduced fishing pressure in Lake Athabasca, eutrophication, or a cumulative effect may explain the form of changes detected in this study.

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Products of biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fishes of the Athabasca/Slave river system, Canada

Cited by 26 publications

References 47 publications

Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment of the Athabasca River Mainstem Oil Sands Area Using White Sucker Health

Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment of the Athabasca River Mainstem Oil Sands Area Using White Sucker Health

Concentrations of Metals in Fishes from the Athabasca and Slave Rivers of Northern Canada

Increased size and relative abundance of migratory fishes observed near the Athabasca oil sands

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