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Baseline aquatic contamination and endocrine status in a resident fish of Biscayne National Park

February 24, 2017

Surface water, sediment, and fish from Biscayne Bay, coastal wetlands adjacent to the Bay, and canals discharging into the Bay were sampled for determination of baseline contamination in Biscayne National Park. While the number of contaminants detected in canal waters was greater during the wet season than the dry season, no seasonal difference was evident for Biscayne Bay or coastal wetland waters. Estrogen equivalency (as 17β-estradiol equivalents), as predicted by the Yeast Estrogen Screen, for extracts of passive water samplers deployed in canals and wetlands was elevated during the wet relative to the dry season. Generally, contamination in water, sediments, and fish was greater in the canals than in Biscayne Bay and the wetlands. Guideline levels for sediment contaminant were exceeded most frequently in canals relative to the coastal wetlands and the Bay. Further investigation is necessary to better understand the impact of contaminants in Biscayne National Park.

Publication Year 2017
Title Baseline aquatic contamination and endocrine status in a resident fish of Biscayne National Park
DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.11.044
Authors Timothy A. Bargar, Kevin R.T. Whelan, David Alvarez, Kathy R. Echols, Paul H. Peterman
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Marine Pollution Bulletin
Index ID 70182524
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Wetland and Aquatic Research Center