Reproductive Steroid Responses in Fish Exposed to Pulp Mill Condensates: An Investigation of Cause Case Study

Abstract

Abstract An investigation of cause (IOC) approach integrating artificial stream exposures and laboratory bioassays has been used to identify waste stream sources of contaminants at the Irving Pulp & Paper Ltd. mill, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Chemical recovery condensates have shown the greatest potential for reducing circulating steroids in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), an endemic fish species. A solid phase extraction (SPE) technique was developed to isolate hormonally active substances from the condensates, and a toxicity identification evaluation approach was used to gain a better understanding of the chemical characteristics of the active substances. Extracts were fractionated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the fractions were used in a seven-day bioassay. Dose-response experiments indicated that steroid reductions in male mummichog were observed consistently after a 4% (vol/vol) exposure. At 4% (vol/vol), however, steroid reductions were not observed in fractions of the active SPE extract generated by HPLC. Some fractions actually induced increases in plasma testosterone. Recent work has focused on understanding what methodologies must be used to handle the semivolatile condensates to ensure 100% chemical recovery and retention of biological activity. Results are summarized in the context of developing an industry-wide IOC framework.