Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
Columbia River Contaminants and Habitat Characterization Study Completed
Fish, wildlife, and human populations along the lower Columbia River are exposed to an ever-growing variety of contaminants as a result of increasing urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural development.
The study investigated transport pathways, chemical fate, and effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in aquatic media and through several levels of the foodweb in the lower Columbia River. This required innovative, interdisciplinary technologies and strategies, such as passive sampling, novel analytical methods, endocrine and reproductive biomarkers, cDNA microarrays, and coupling geochemical data to habitat classification and hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling. The work was carried out in concert with ongoing efforts by multiple agencies and partnerships to understand impacts of these contaminants on the natural environment, associated species, and human health in the Columbia River Basin.
Filling knowledge gaps associated with the occurrence and bioaccumulation of PBDEs and EDCs will improve the ability of management agencies to evaluate the actions that are the most likely to result in improving lower river and estuarine conditions for salmonids and other organisms. The presence and effects of these emerging contaminants are important issues that have high scientific and public visibility and potentially important implications for people, fish, and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin. By framing the investigation as a conceptual example of an integrated sampling project, our results can be used as a foundation for future efforts to establish a monitoring program for emerging contaminants, indicators of biotic integrity, and/or other issues of concern in the basin.
Study Objectives
- Assess contaminant concentrations in multiple levels of the foodweb (invertebrates, salmonids, resident fish, osprey) and the environment (sediment and water) in the lower Columbia River Basin.
- Determine the biological effects on fish using biomarkers (vitellogenin induction, gonadal histopathology, cDNA microarrays) and relate these to contaminant concentrations measured in the foodweb and environment to the extent possible.
- Characterize sampling locations using the Columbia River Estuary Ecosystem Classification System and samples collected for sediment characterization to allow comparisons among sites and to provide context within the Columbia River Basin.
- Evaluate the transport of fine-grained sediments and associated contaminants in the system, as possible, by combining the hydrodynamics and sediment transport model (that will be expanded as part of this project), Ecosystem Classification System, and sampling results.
- Develop a conceptual example of an integrated sampling project with the future intent of expanding this example into an integrated monitoring strategy.
- Produce a synthesis report that provides insight and unique results achieved through an interdisciplinary approach capitalizing on the breadth of expertise of the team members.
Results
Largescale Sucker Contaminants
- Fish tissue contaminant concentrations increase moving downstream with increasing urbanization. Contaminant levels are of concern for subsistence fisher populations based on aquatic life ratios
- Bioaccumulation and biomagnification were observed for PBDE flame retardant compounds in the food web
Biomarker and Sediment Transport
- Biomarkers show fish more stressed downstream sites relative to upstream (some statistically correlated to measured contaminants)
- Biomarker that differed among sites: abnormal morphology, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, live apoptotic cells, total apoptotic cells, ATP content, DNA fragmentation, and percent haploid testicular cells
- Statistical correlations showed relationship between contaminant concentrations and biomarker effects
- A gene expression microarray developed for the project identified 69 genes with expression patterns that correlated with hepatic tissue contaminants
- The sediment transport model developed for the project is a very useful tool to predict accumulation of fine-grained sediments and contaminants, and allows extrapolation of contaminant results from point samples to the larger modeled area
Take Home
- Contaminants are present at levels of concern in the food web of the lower Columbia River
- A sediment transport and habitat model developed for the project may allow prediction of sediment and contaminant distributions under different flow scenarios and potential for management applications to track effluent, spills, etc.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Contaminants Affecting Pacific Lamprey in the Columbia River
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
National Water Information System (NWIS) - Oregon
National Water Information System: Mapper (Oregon)
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Foodweb transfer, sediment transport, and biological impacts of emerging and legacy organic contaminants in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA: Contaminants and Habitat (ConHab) Project
Health status of Largescale Sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) collected along an organic contaminant gradient in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA
Spatial and temporal trends in occurrence of emerging and legacy contaminants in the Lower Columbia River 2008-2010
Assessing reproductive and endocrine parameters in male largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along a contaminant gradient in the lower Columbia River, USA
Foodweb transfer, sediment transport, and biological impacts of emerging and legacy organic contaminants in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA: Contaminants and Habitat (ConHab) Project
A survey of benthic sediment contaminants in reaches of the Columbia River Estuary based on channel sedimentation characteristics
Contaminants of legacy and emerging concern in largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) and the foodweb in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA
Correlation of gene expression and contaminat concentrations in wild largescale suckers: a field-based study
Wastewater dilution index partially explains observed polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant concentrations in osprey eggs from Columbia River Basin, 2008-2009
News Stories
April 2014 (OPB, Register Guard, KTVZ, Columbian, KGW, KOIN, Daily News, Skamania County Pioneer, Chinook Observer)
July 2014 (OPB, National Geographic, Environmental Health News)
September 2014 (KOUW)
Mar 2015 (USA Today)
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
Fish, wildlife, and human populations along the lower Columbia River are exposed to an ever-growing variety of contaminants as a result of increasing urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural development.
The study investigated transport pathways, chemical fate, and effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in aquatic media and through several levels of the foodweb in the lower Columbia River. This required innovative, interdisciplinary technologies and strategies, such as passive sampling, novel analytical methods, endocrine and reproductive biomarkers, cDNA microarrays, and coupling geochemical data to habitat classification and hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling. The work was carried out in concert with ongoing efforts by multiple agencies and partnerships to understand impacts of these contaminants on the natural environment, associated species, and human health in the Columbia River Basin.
Filling knowledge gaps associated with the occurrence and bioaccumulation of PBDEs and EDCs will improve the ability of management agencies to evaluate the actions that are the most likely to result in improving lower river and estuarine conditions for salmonids and other organisms. The presence and effects of these emerging contaminants are important issues that have high scientific and public visibility and potentially important implications for people, fish, and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin. By framing the investigation as a conceptual example of an integrated sampling project, our results can be used as a foundation for future efforts to establish a monitoring program for emerging contaminants, indicators of biotic integrity, and/or other issues of concern in the basin.
Study Objectives
- Assess contaminant concentrations in multiple levels of the foodweb (invertebrates, salmonids, resident fish, osprey) and the environment (sediment and water) in the lower Columbia River Basin.
- Determine the biological effects on fish using biomarkers (vitellogenin induction, gonadal histopathology, cDNA microarrays) and relate these to contaminant concentrations measured in the foodweb and environment to the extent possible.
- Characterize sampling locations using the Columbia River Estuary Ecosystem Classification System and samples collected for sediment characterization to allow comparisons among sites and to provide context within the Columbia River Basin.
- Evaluate the transport of fine-grained sediments and associated contaminants in the system, as possible, by combining the hydrodynamics and sediment transport model (that will be expanded as part of this project), Ecosystem Classification System, and sampling results.
- Develop a conceptual example of an integrated sampling project with the future intent of expanding this example into an integrated monitoring strategy.
- Produce a synthesis report that provides insight and unique results achieved through an interdisciplinary approach capitalizing on the breadth of expertise of the team members.
Results
Largescale Sucker Contaminants
- Fish tissue contaminant concentrations increase moving downstream with increasing urbanization. Contaminant levels are of concern for subsistence fisher populations based on aquatic life ratios
- Bioaccumulation and biomagnification were observed for PBDE flame retardant compounds in the food web
Biomarker and Sediment Transport
- Biomarkers show fish more stressed downstream sites relative to upstream (some statistically correlated to measured contaminants)
- Biomarker that differed among sites: abnormal morphology, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, live apoptotic cells, total apoptotic cells, ATP content, DNA fragmentation, and percent haploid testicular cells
- Statistical correlations showed relationship between contaminant concentrations and biomarker effects
- A gene expression microarray developed for the project identified 69 genes with expression patterns that correlated with hepatic tissue contaminants
- The sediment transport model developed for the project is a very useful tool to predict accumulation of fine-grained sediments and contaminants, and allows extrapolation of contaminant results from point samples to the larger modeled area
Take Home
- Contaminants are present at levels of concern in the food web of the lower Columbia River
- A sediment transport and habitat model developed for the project may allow prediction of sediment and contaminant distributions under different flow scenarios and potential for management applications to track effluent, spills, etc.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Contaminants Affecting Pacific Lamprey in the Columbia River
Pacific Lampreys (Entosphenus tridentatus) have lived in the Columbia River Basin for millenia and have great ecological and cultural importance. Lamprey populations in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the world have declined dramatically in recent decades, probably owing to multiple causes. The role of habitat contamination in the declines has rarely been studied and was the main... - Data
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
National Water Information System (NWIS) - Oregon
National Water Information System: Mapper (Oregon)
- Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Emerging ContaminantsToday on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
Shocking! Electrofishing for Largescale Suckers on the Columbia RiverShocking! Electrofishing for Largescale Suckers on the Columbia RiverIn this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Foodweb transfer, sediment transport, and biological impacts of emerging and legacy organic contaminants in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA: Contaminants and Habitat (ConHab) Project
No abstract availableAuthorsElena B. Nilsen, Jennifer L. MoraceHealth status of Largescale Sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) collected along an organic contaminant gradient in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA
The health of Largescale Sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) in the lower Columbia River (USA) was evaluated using morphometric and histopathological approaches, and its association with organic contaminants accumulated in liver was evaluated in males. Fish were sampled from three sites along a contaminant gradient In 2009, body length and mass, condition factor, gonadosomatic index, and hematocrit wAuthorsLeticia Torres, Elena B. Nilsen, Robert A. Grove, Reynaldo PatiñoSpatial and temporal trends in occurrence of emerging and legacy contaminants in the Lower Columbia River 2008-2010
The Lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, USA, is an important resource for aquatic and terrestrial organisms, agriculture, and commerce. An 86-mile stretch of the river was sampled over a 3 year period in order to determine the spatial and temporal trends in the occurrence and concentration of water-borne organic contaminants. Sampling occurred at 10 sites along this stretch and at 1 sitAuthorsDavid A. Alvarez, Stephanie D. Perkins, Elena B. Nilsen, Jennifer L. MoraceAssessing reproductive and endocrine parameters in male largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along a contaminant gradient in the lower Columbia River, USA
Persistent organochlorine pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are stable, bioaccumulative, and widely found in the environment, wildlife, and the human population. To explore the hypothesis that reproduction in male fish is associated with environmental exposures in the lower Columbia River (LCAuthorsJill A. Jenkins, H.M. Olivier, R. O. Draugelis-Dale, B.E. Eilts, L. Torres, R. Patiño, Elena B. Nilsen, Steven L. GoodbredFoodweb transfer, sediment transport, and biological impacts of emerging and legacy organic contaminants in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA: Contaminants and Habitat (ConHab) Project
No abstract availableAuthorsElena B. Nilsen, Jennifer L. MoraceA survey of benthic sediment contaminants in reaches of the Columbia River Estuary based on channel sedimentation characteristics
While previous studies have documented contaminants in fish, sediments, water, and wildlife, few specifics are known about the spatial distribution of contaminants in the Columbia River Estuary (CRE). Our study goal was to characterize sediment contaminant detections and concentrations in reaches of the CRE that were concurrently being sampled to assess contaminants in water, invertebrates, fish,AuthorsTimothy D. Counihan, Ian R. Waite, Elena B. Nilsen, Jill M. Hardiman, Edwin Elias, Guy Gelfenbaum, Steven D. ZauggContaminants of legacy and emerging concern in largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) and the foodweb in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA
We investigated occurrence, transport pathways, and effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants and other endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in aquatic media and the foodweb in the lower Columbia River. In 2009 and 2010, foodweb sampling at three sites along a gradient of contaminant exposure near Skamania (Washington), Columbia City (Oregon) and Longview (Washington) incluAuthorsElena B. Nilsen, Steven D. Zaugg, David A. Alvarez, Jennifer L. Morace, Ian R. Waite, Timothy D. Counihan, Jill M. Hardiman, Leticia Torres, Reynaldo Patiño, Matthew G. Mesa, Robert GroveCorrelation of gene expression and contaminat concentrations in wild largescale suckers: a field-based study
Toxic compounds such as organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs) have been detected in fish, birds, and aquatic mammals that live in the Columbia River or use food resources from within the river. We developed a custom microarray for largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) and used it to investigate the molecAuthorsHelena E. Christiansen, Alvine C. Mehinto, Fahong Yu, Russell W. Perry, Nancy D. Denslow, Alec G. Maule, Matthew G. MesaWastewater dilution index partially explains observed polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant concentrations in osprey eggs from Columbia River Basin, 2008-2009
Several polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were found in all 175 osprey (Pandion haliaetus) eggs collected from the Columbia River Basin between 2002 and 2009. ΣPBDE concentrations in 2008–2009 were highest in osprey eggs from the two lowest flow rivers studied; however, each river flowed through relatively large and populous metropolitan areas (Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington). WAuthorsCharles J. Henny, Robert A. Grove, James L. Kaiser, Branden L. Johnson, Chad V. Furl, Robert J. Letcher - News
News Stories
April 2014 (OPB, Register Guard, KTVZ, Columbian, KGW, KOIN, Daily News, Skamania County Pioneer, Chinook Observer)
July 2014 (OPB, National Geographic, Environmental Health News)
September 2014 (KOUW)
Mar 2015 (USA Today)
- Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.