Author(s): Rachel M. Campbell , Michelle C. Eide , Courtney M. Swantek , Shannon N. Kilburn , Christina A.L. Younggren , Melissa A. Pickett , Justin T. Martin , Derik E. Haggard , Kaylie M. Shaver , Elizabeth J. Hulse , Spencer S. Smith

Presentation: poster

Anthropogenic activities such as mining and agriculture release toxins into the environment. Aquatic organisms are particularly sensitive to contaminant exposure because they are in constant and inescapable contact with pollution present in diet, sediment, and water. The goal of this study was to screen Redband trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss gairdnerii) populations from five sites in Southwestern Idaho for evidence of exposure to contaminants. Trout are an excellent model organism because they are top consumers, they bioconcentrate contaminants, they are easy to catch, and their tissue is large enough to easily measure enzymatic activity. In this study, three biomarkers that are affected by environmental toxins were examined to determine the extent of physiological effects of xenobiotics on Redband trout. These biomarkers were glutathione-s-transferase (GST), an enzyme involved in detoxification; metallothionein (MT), a protein that sequesters heavy metals; and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme involved in glycolysis. The biomarkers were observed in samples from several different sites at varying proximities to known mining and agricultural activity. Two of the sites are considered relatively untouched, one is surrounded by agricultural activity, and two are near mining activity. Data indicates that proximity to mining activity may be the cause of differences in all endpoints.

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