Evaluation of the Thyroid Endocrine System in Two Flatfish Species in Relation to Exposures to Legacy Contaminants and Contaminants of Emerging Concern

• Main Author: Laczko, Stephen M.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: California State University, Long Beach 2018
• Subjects: Biology|Endocrinology; Turbot
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10826608

Anthropogenic contaminants have been well documented in Southern California coastal marine waters and are largely associated with point source pollution entities like waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). This study measured known and suspected contaminants capable of disrupting physiological and endocrine functions in marine organisms. Thyroid endocrine and hepatic contaminant concentrations were measured in English Sole (Parophrys vetulus) and Hornyhead Turbot (Pleuronichthys verticalis) residing at a WWTP outfall location and two other locations, up- and down-current from the outfall. Fish from the outfall and down current locations had higher levels of contaminant compounds and altered thyroid endocrine physiology compared to the up-current reference location. Selected contaminants were significantly correlated with thyroid endocrine parameters, consistent with observed differences in contaminant levels among sites.