This project, in collaboration with the NJ Pinelands Commission and the USGS NJ Water Center, is evaluating potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals from point and nonpoint sources in the Pinelands Area, a research cluster as part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative.
Native and non-native fish will be sampled from stream sites above and below different municipal wastewater treatment plants. Sex ratios, intersex (testicular oocytes) prevalence and severity, plasma vitellogenin and signs of infectious diseases will be assessed. For the off-stream non-point source component, we will sample native green frogs from storm water basins and ponds embedded in developed/agricultural landscapes and ponds in forested areas to serve as reference sites. Frogs will be examined microscopically for gonad development, intersex and infectious disease. The biological findings will be evaluated in the context of chemical concentrations in water samples. These findings will be compared with findings in other regions of the country.
- Overview
This project, in collaboration with the NJ Pinelands Commission and the USGS NJ Water Center, is evaluating potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals from point and nonpoint sources in the Pinelands Area, a research cluster as part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Green frogs collected from a site within the NJ Pinelands Native and non-native fish will be sampled from stream sites above and below different municipal wastewater treatment plants. Sex ratios, intersex (testicular oocytes) prevalence and severity, plasma vitellogenin and signs of infectious diseases will be assessed. For the off-stream non-point source component, we will sample native green frogs from storm water basins and ponds embedded in developed/agricultural landscapes and ponds in forested areas to serve as reference sites. Frogs will be examined microscopically for gonad development, intersex and infectious disease. The biological findings will be evaluated in the context of chemical concentrations in water samples. These findings will be compared with findings in other regions of the country.